EFFECT OF WATER VAPOR IN THE PLANTS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transpiration
http://climate.ncsu.edu/edu/k12/.evapo
Evapotranspiration
Space

Evapotranspiration and Evaporation extended definition

Evapotranspiration is the process of evaporating water from leaves through plant transpiration during
photosynthesis. It varies because of a multitude of factors like wind, temperature, humidity, and water
availability.

Evapotranspiration and Evaporation why do i care ag/K-12

Why do I care? Evapotranspiration is a main component of the water cycle and is important in crop
maintenance.

Evapotranspiration and Evaporation prerequisites

I should already be familiar with: The Water Cycle, Humidity, Temperature, Pressure, Density

Evapotranspiration & Evaporation body

Figure A: Water Vapor Release From Plants Due to Energy From the Sun
http://www.shoalwater.nsw.gov.au/Education/images/experiments/transpiration_experiment.j
pg

Evapotranspiration is an important process in the water cycle because it is responsible for 15% of the
atmospheres water vapor. Without that input of water vapor, clouds couldnt form and precipitation would
never fall. Evapotranspiration is the combined name for the processes of evaporation and transpiration. When
water vapor is released into the atmosphere both processes are involved, so they have been combined into one
word to cover all bases.
The evaporation in evapotranspiration refers to water evaporated from over land. This includes evaporation
from soil, wetlands, and standing water from places like roofs and puddles. It can also refer to direct
evaporation of liquid water from the leaf surface of the plant.
Transpiration happens when plants release water vapor from tiny holes, called stomata, in their leaves. This is
caused in part by the chemical and biological changes that occur as the plant undergoes photosynthesis and
converts carbon dioxide into oxygen. Transpiration performs the same function as human sweating because
plants do it to cool down their leaves. Figure A shows the stomata on the underside of the leaf releasing water
vapor (blue arrow) because of the warmth from the sun.
There are a whole host of factors that affect evapotranspiration:
Temperature As temperature increases, the rate of evapotranspiration increases. Evaporation increases
because there is a higher amount of energy available to convert the liquid water to water vapor. Transpiration
increases because at warmer temperatures plants open up their stomata and release more water vapor.
Humidity If the air around the plant is too humid, the transpiration and evaporation rates drop. Its the same
reason sweat does not evaporate from our skin when its too humid.

Wind speed If the air is moving, the rate of evaporation will increase. The wind will also clear the air of any
humidity produced by the plants transpiration, so the plant will increase its rate of transpiration.
Water availability If the soil is dry and there is no standing water there will be no evaporation. If plants cant
get enough water they will conserve it instead of transpiring by closing their stoma.
Soil type Soil type determines how much water soil can hold and how easy it is for the water to be drawn out
of it, either by a plant or by evaporation. For areas where the ground is covered by vegetation, the rate of
transpiration is considerably higher than the rate of evaporation from the soil.
Plant type Some plants, like cacti and other succulents, naturally hold onto their water and dont transpire as
much. Trees and crops are on the other end of the spectrum and can release copious amounts of water vapor in
a day. For example, an acre of corn can release 4,000 gallons of water vapor a day and a single large oak tree
can transpire 40,000 gallons of water vapor in a year.

Evapotranspiration and Evaporation relation to agriculture

How does this relate to agriculture?

If you can predict evapotranspiration rates, you will be

able to estimate the water demands of the crop. This
may help you to determine whether or not to irrigate, for
example. If crops do not receive enough water, their
leaves may curl and their production decline as the plants
fight to conserve what water they can. Knowledge of
predicted temperature and wind conditions from weather
forecasts can give you a clue to how strong the
evapotranspiration rates will be.

Figure B
Image from Bridget Lassiter

Evaporation may also directly affect soil moisture

conditions. If there is too much moisture in the soil, the
farm machinery can get bogged down because it has to
work too hard. The weight of the machinery can also
compact the wet soil, leading to lack of air for healthy
root systems to develop. If the soil is too dry, however,
the plants may be easily stressed due to the lack of
available water and a crust may sometimes form on top
of the soil. This crust may be so impermeable that when
it rains on top of the crusty soil, the rain runs right off
rather than soaking in.

https://www.skepticalscience.com/water-vapor-greenhouse-gas.htm
http://www.wintergardenz.co.nz/glass-vs-poly-vs-film.html

Plastic Film
(Polyethylene)
Polyethylene (plastic) film sometimes also known as
'Poly-film' or 'AgPhane', this
film is common among
commercial growers due to its
low cost per square meter. It is
a versatile product and can
handle the knocks without
easily breaking although it can
be susceptible to tears and
punctures. Most commercial
growers in colder climates
choose to use a double
layered system (with warm air
blown between the inner
cavity) to provide better
thermal insulation, as
polyethylene film has poor
heat retention properties when
compared to polycarbonate or
even glass.
Polyethylene film does not last
as long as other coverings and
you will need to consider
replacement in 3-5 years. The
film will stay intact for much
longer than this period but the
clarity of the film changes
(turns opaque) and the
amount of light and colour

"Polyethylene film is typically used on half-round

frame structures commonly known as tunnel houses.
If you are considering a tunnel house ensure the
frame is strong enough to withstand the conditions

spectrum is significantly
restricted after this time, which
will affect the success of your
plants growth and
development (particularly
ripening
tomatoes). Polyethylene film is
typically used on half-round
frame structures commonly
known as tunnel houses. If
you are considering a tunnel
house ensure the frame is
strong enough to withstand
the conditions in your area
(i.e. wind and snow), and has
an adequate system to
remove and re-fasten the film
when replacement is due.
Note: There are significant
variations in the quality of
polyethylene films. They are
available in different
thicknesses, and we would
suggest 200-micron film would
be the thinnest option. Cheap,
thin films sold in some
hardware stores are generally
unsuitable for greenhouses as
they often aren't UV stabilised
and deteriorate rapidly when
exposed to the environment.

Disadvantages
Relatively short lifespan
and requires replacement
Prone to rips and tears
Poor thermal efficiency
(R=0.83), unless double
skinned.
Advantages
Low cost per square
meter
Takes the knocks

in your area (ie wind and snow), and has an

adequate system to remove and re-fasten the film
when replacement is due"

Diffused light - prevents

burning and aids
photosynthesis
http://www.backyard-gardening-fun.com/greenhouse-plastic-film.html
http://www.ginegar.com/sun-selector/2012-06-11-08-16-33.html
http://www.greenhousemag.com/article/gmpro-0510-choose-right-plastic-filmpolyethylene/
http://news.indevcogroup.com/en/July2012/plastics/205/10-Reasons-to-UseGreenhouse-Plastic-Films-agricultural-films-agricultural-packaging-INDEVCOFlexible-Packaging-Lebanon-Masterpak-plastic-greenhouse-plastic-films-ZoukMosbeh.htm
http://www.masterpaklb.com/PDF/Masterpak-Greenhouse-Covers-Additives-andFilters.pdf
http://www.unoplastic.com/#!greenhouse-film/c7ag
http://news.bio-based.eu/demand-for-agricultural-films/
https://books.google.com.sa/books?
id=y1QwHpC6kuEC&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51&dq=main+testing+items+for+Greenhou
se+Films&source=bl&ots=qhwoj9WZ5V&sig=L1Vf0pOjxOdeQEmPvnNeCFO2FNo&hl
=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi219Gv867OAhWHaRQKHdQ6BAMQ6AEIHDAA#v=onepa
ge&q=main%20testing%20items%20for%20Greenhouse%20Films&f=false