Effect of water scarcity on plants

Water has a major role on earth. Every living being is benefitted from its existence. But when it comes to plants, water is the only source that prevents them from withering. Water helps the plants to germinate naturally and grow as needed.

And, when water shortage hits, the plants in the specific area are hit the worst. Not just the plants, but the entire ecological system is impacted too. And the scientists believe that the effect of water scarcity on plants has a more significant impact on the overall genetic make-up of the plants. In simple terms, the plants may exhibit differences. They may undergo evolutionary changes and may look, behave, and work differently to survive the current and future water stresses.

What leads to water scarcity in a particular area?

Water shortage is caused due to various reasons like:

• Expanding human population
• Development of infrastructures
• Bad agricultural practices
• Rising industry demands
• Pollution of water sources
• Deforestation

And with improper water conservation practices, the total amount of freshwater is declined from the face of the earth in recent years. Moreover, half of the freshwater is covered in glaciers, meaning even if we have 3% of freshwater on earth, we do not have access to every drop of it.

How are the plants affected?

The plants are impacted in multiple ways. Some effect of water scarcity on plants is noticeable instantly, while others take the time or need proper research to understand. As of now, let’s take a look at some common effects of water scarcity:

1- Wilting:

One of the apparent signs of water scarcity on the plants is wilting. The turgor pressure in plants that keeps the plant cells inflated and erect is damaged. Without proper force, the cell in the plant leaves starts to collapse, thus, causing them to limp.

When wilting keeps on increasing in a plant, the plant’s cells become fully defaulted, leading to the plant’s death. But, you can easily recover a partially wilted plant by adding mulch and keeping the soil moist.

2- Reduction in photosynthesis:

Plants go through a process of photosynthesis to produce their food. They require adequate water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide to do so. But when there is a shortage of water, the plants may slow down the process of photosynthesis or even stop it. And due to this, the internal food supply becomes reduced or diminished.

If you come across the yellowing of leaves, then it is a common sign of stopped photosynthesis. 

3- Reduction in respiration:

Plants respirate heavily when they are breaking down their food supply and using it as energy. But when there is less water involved in the photosynthesis process, the plant’s system tends to work slowly. The slowdown in the process of reparation can shunt the growth of the plant or even cause discoloration.

A healthy plant will end up dropping the fruits or flowers when there is a reduction in the respiration process because it becomes hard for the plant to carry extra baggage.

4- Reduction in transpiration:

The circulation process in the plant’s system is termed as transpiration. The plants use osmotic pressure to initiate circulation. And when the water moves along through this circulation process, it tends to supply vital nutrients and minerals throughout the plant. Even waste product like oxygen is transferred from the roots to the stomas.

But, with lack of water, the transpiration is stopped or slowed, causing the plant to die from top to bottom.

5- Alteration in developments:

Many plants have alerted their genetic make-up to cope with the constant draught. For instance, water stress has lead to the evolution of C4 and CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism). Plants that have C4 metabolism tend to photosynthesize faster and deeper within the plant tissue, thus, preventing water loss.

With CAM, the plant tends to close the stomas at night, minimizes evaporation, and prevents water stress.

Is there a solution?

It is evident that water scarcity can cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem. The humans aren’t safe either.

Thankfully, innovative solutions are discovered by experts. Companies like Airowater have thought out of the box to improve the available freshwater. It has released the innovative Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) that produces fresh and drinkable water from the air. No matter, what your needs are, AWG will help you with all your needs, and even prevent the plants from dying.