Introduction

Summer is a season when the sun is at its peak, and the temperature rises to an unbearable height. This season, which lasts for a few months, is characterized by increased humidity, shorter days, and increased sunlight exposure. Plants are not an exception in this season; they experience various changes due to the climatic variations. One of the apparent changes that occur during summer is the increased need for water by plants. In this article, we will look at why plants require more water in summer.

Water is essential for plant survival

Plants require water for their daily physiological functions such as photosynthesis, transpiration, and nutrient uptake. They need water to carry out metabolic reactions, cool themselves, to maintain their shape and to transport necessary nutrients through their stems and leaves. Lack of water can lead to the wilting of plants, a process that occurs when there is insufficient water to maintain the plant's structure. Thus, plants need enough water to keep themselves hydrated and alive, particularly in summer when water loss is high due to the high temperature.

Increased water loss through transpiration

Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water in the form of water vapor through their pores. It's the cooling mechanism of plants, and the rate of transpiration increases as the environmental temperature increases. During summer, the high temperatures increase the rate of transpiration leading to excess water loss. The high humidity levels do not help as they interfere with the transpiration process, thus making it difficult for plants to cool themselves, and retain enough moisture to carry out their photosynthetic functions, necessitating the need for more water.

Stress caused by heat waves

During summer, high temperatures cause heat waves. Heatwaves are periods of prolonged abnormal heat and humidity that can cause damage to plants. The heatwaves reduce the water holding capacity of soil, which leads to dehydration of plants. Heatwaves also increase the metabolic rate of plants, leading to increased water consumption. So, to keep up with the rising temperature and to prevent dehydration and heat stress, plants need more water.

Nutrient uptake

Water plays a crucial role in the uptake of essential minerals from the soil. During summer, the soil becomes dry due to the high temperature, which leads to reduced nutrient availability to plants. Water helps to transport these nutrients through the roots and into the plant. Plants without enough moisture will have limited nutrient uptake leading to reduced growth, and in worst-case scenarios, they might die.

Conclusion

In conclusion, plants need more water in summer due to the increased rate of transpiration, heat stress, and reduced nutrient uptake. Without water, plants cannot photosynthesize, transport essential nutrients, and maintain their structure. Thus, it's essential to ensure that plants have enough water throughout the summer season to prevent wilting and death.