Factors affecting water absorption

1. Availability of soil water: In the soil, there are different forms of water. Among them, only capillary water is easily absorbed by root hair cells. Capillary water increases the rate of absorption but water loading conditions harm or decrease the rate of absorption.

2. Soil temperature: Soil temperature is essential for the absorption of water. Absorption is maximum when soil temperature lies between 20-30⁰C. Soil temperatures less than 4⁰C reduce the absorption of water.

3. Soil aeration: The presence of air in the soil is called soil aeration. Aerated soil increases the rate of absorption because root hair cells easily get oxygen which is responsible for respiration.

4. Concentration of minerals: A higher concentration of soluble salts increases the osmotic pressure of the soil solution which inhibits the rate of absorption.

5. Transpiration: The rate of transpiration is directly related to the rate of absorption. The higher the rate of transpiration, the higher the absorption.