Introduction

Plants need water to thrive, but despite this, they can die when they are submerged in water for extended periods of time. The process of plants dying in water is not always related to the quality of water, but it is a result of some environmental factors that cause a lack of oxygen supply to the plants. In this article, we will explore the reasons why plants may die when submerged in water.

Flooding

Flooding is a common cause of plants dying in water. When an area is flooded, plant roots become inundated, and there is no access to oxygen. This lack of access to oxygen can disrupt the plant’s ability to carry out respiration, which can lead to the plant’s death. Additionally, continuous water logging of the soil can kill the plants since it causes the soil to become compacted, making it impossible for roots to grow and seek out oxygen.

Inadequate Drainage

Another reason why plants may die in water is inadequate drainage. Plants need water to grow, but they also need to have adequate drainage. When soil lacks drainage, water will accumulate, and the plants’ roots may not get enough oxygen, leading to the plants wilting and dying over time. Plants can also die if they live in areas without proper drainage during periods of heavy rainfall or if the soil is not able to absorb the excess water quickly enough.

Water Quality

While water quality is not always the main reason for plants’ death, it can cause reverse osmosis, resulting in an osmotic shock to the plants. Reverse osmosis occurs when the concentration of salts in the soil is more than that of the surrounding water. For example, with seawater, there is a higher concentration of salt than in the soil. The water is drawn out of the root cells and moved to the environment, causing the plant cells to shrink, and eventually die. This effect can also be seen even with freshwater along with high levels of soil salt content such as in arid regions.

Water Temperature

The temperature of the water can also contribute to plants dying in water. Different species of plants have different temperature requirements, and some may be particularly sensitive to cold or hot temperatures. When water temperatures fall below a certain point or rise above a certain threshold, it can damage the plant, impact its growth, and make it more susceptible to disease.

Conclusion

Understanding why plants may die when submerged in water is critical for gardeners and farmers. Regular maintenance, adequate drainage, and proper irrigation practices are necessary to prevent plants from dying in water. Providing the right soil structure, water quality and temperature are essential to promote healthy plant growth and avoid plant wilting and death.