Irrigation and Plant Physiology
The basis of irrigation Soil Plant Evapotranspiration Plant requirements
Photosynthesis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlmgFYmbAUg Exchanges of gases and water vapors. Sugar synthesis
Photosynthesis light reaction Whitehead & Gower, 2001
The stomata Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlmgFYmbAUg
The Stomata
Stomata structure
Opening of the Stomata Controlling factors Lights Plant water potential Environmental conditions: atmosphere humidity Co2 concentration temperature
Light Lights is electromagnetic radiation It is the energy source for the photosynthesis. P.A.R. – Photosynthesis Active Radiation is at the range of visible light 400- 700 nm
Why do plants are green Which light is corresponded to wave length of 550 nm? Peaks of absorbents 430, 680 nm
Light It is not possible to have photosynthesis without light, therefore when there is no light the stomata is closed
Transpiration process Transpiration is the process of evaporation or vapor transfer from the plant to the atmosphere through the stomata Transpiration has two stages: The vaporization of liquid water in the stomata Transfer of water vapors from the stomata to the atmosphere Factors that control the rate of transpiration VPD Stomata conductance Wind speed
Vapor transfer What is the driving force for vapor transfer? VPD – Vapor Pressure Deficit If the vapore pressure in the atmosphere is equal to the VP in the stomata transpiration rate is 0. Wind accelerate the rate of vapor transport Under dry and windy conditions we expect high transpiration rate. Knowing the weather forcast can help us plan irrigation.
Other factors CO2 Temperature ABA – Abscisic Acid Abscisic acid is also produced in the roots in response to decreased soil water potential and other situations in which the plant may be under stress. ABA then translocates to the leaves, where it rapidly alters the osmotic potential of stomatal guard cells, causing them to shrink and stomata to close.
The water potential in the Plant Turgor pressure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZWP65Nbwd4 Water potential http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDZud2g1RVY Y = Ys + Yp
Pressure chamber סכמה When pressure is applied on a leaf water rises in the petiole. The water potential is the pressure reading when water are exiting the petiole. http://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=fpZIdiygy iE חנקן בלחץ תא לחץ גומיה
Water potential in Apple tree SWP-H SWP-L LWP-H LWP-L
Water potential and the photosynthesis When the water potential is decreasing the stomata close Then the photosynthesis stop Thus the water potential in the plant affect the photosynthesis