Water and food production. Why crops need water?

Authors

  • Joan Girona Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Lleida
  • Josep M. Villar Universitat de Lleida (UdL)

Keywords:

water, food production, plant physiology, water potential, photosynthesis, transpiration, seasonal sensitivity to water deficit.

Abstract

This paper explains the role of water in the general behaviour of plants and more specifically its importance in agriculture, with the aim to let the reader who is not specialized in physiological aspects understand the function of water in the production of food and goods. To do this, the most significant concepts regulating the behaviour of water inside the plant have been analysed, together with the relationship of water with the processes most closely linked to production (photosynthesis and vegetative growth). Likewise, to illustrate these concepts, some agronomic examples are given in relation to seasonal sensitivity to water deficit, water use efficiency, and the dependence of food production on water availability.

KEYWORDS: water, food production, plant physiology, water potential, photosynthesis, transpiration, seasonal sensitivity to water deficit.

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Issue

No. 50: juny 2021 : número especial

Section

Articles

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