Plants Respond to Water Deficits

作者：James R. Ehleringer, Russell K. Monson · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1201/9781315118017-14 · 研究领域：Plant responses to water stress、Plant and soil sciences、Irrigation Practices and Water Management

This chapter explores the adaptive mechanisms plants employ to manage water resources and maintain hydration under varying environmental conditions. Stomata exhibit sensitivity to humidity changes, adjusting to optimize water-use efficiency. Roots actively exploit soil water, while certain species have adapted to harness atmospheric water under novel environmental conditions. The chapter delves into evolutionary strategies plants have developed to cope with increasing water deficits, including hydraulic fuses that protect and sustain the hydraulic system during soil water shortages. Despite these adaptations, prolonged and multi-year droughts can overwhelm these mechanisms, ultimately leading to plant mortality. This comprehensive examination highlights the complex interplay between plant physiology and environmental water availability.