What is the water a plant cannot access called?

Water is an essential element for plant growth and survival. It is responsible for facilitating photosynthesis, transporting nutrients, and maintaining turgor pressure. However, not all water is accessible to plants. Some water is held too tightly by soil particles or is too far away from the plant roots to be absorbed. This type of water is called unavailable or non-capillary water.

The Different Types of Water for Plants

Water can be divided into several categories depending on its availability to plants. These categories include capillary, gravitational, hygroscopic, and unavailable water. Capillary water can be easily accessed by plants and is held in soil pores due to adhesion and cohesion. Gravitational water drains away from the plant roots and is not accessible for plant use. Hygroscopic water is held tightly around soil particles and cannot be accessed by plants. Unavailable water is also trapped around soil particles, but it is even more tightly held and cannot be accessed by plant roots.

The Importance of Available Water

Available water is essential for plant growth and survival. This is the water that is held in soil particles but can still be accessed by plant roots. This type of water is typically held at a tension between 0 and 15 bars. When soil dries out beyond this range, plant roots cannot access it and growth becomes limited. This is why it is important to water plants regularly and maintain soil moisture levels within the appropriate range.

The Effects of Water Stress on Plants

Water stress occurs when a plant does not have access to enough available water. This can cause a range of negative effects, including wilting, leaf rolling, reduced photosynthesis, stomatal closure, and ultimately, death. Water-stressed plants are also more susceptible to pests and diseases, making them more difficult to grow and maintain in optimal conditions.

How to Ensure Plants Have Access to Available Water

There are several steps you can take to ensure your plants have access to available water. The first step is to choose the appropriate soil type that can hold enough water without becoming too compact or waterlogged. Adding organic matter to soil can improve its water-holding capacity and structure. Watering plants regularly with appropriate amounts of water is also crucial. This can be achieved through manual watering or using irrigation systems. Mulching can also help to retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation and protecting roots from extreme temperatures.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the water a plant cannot access is called unavailable or non-capillary water. This type of water is held too tightly by soil particles or is too far away from the plant roots to be absorbed. It is important to ensure that plants have access to available water to prevent water stress and promote healthy growth. This can be achieved through selecting the appropriate soil type, adding organic matter, regular watering, and mulching.