GuideFoot - Learn Together, Grow Smarter. Logo

In Biology / High School | 2014-07-31

Why does increasing soil salinity have adverse effects on plant cells?

Asked by Eliseo636

Answer (3)

when salinity in soil increases the soil becomes hypertonic when compared to cell sap.the movement of particles from a lower concentrated solution to a higher concentrated solution is callede osmosis. in general conditions cell sap is at higher conc. than surrounding media. this allows water and minerals to enter the plant. but when soil is at higher conc. i.e., when its salinity increases the process becomes reversed can you imagine its consequenses?

Answered by srikrishna | 2024-06-10

Increasing soil salinity adversely affects plant cells by causing water to diffuse out, leading to drought stress and cell shrinkage. High concentrations of salts can also accumulate and become toxic, damaging root structure and making plants vulnerable to disease. Visible symptoms may include reduced growth and premature defoliation.
Increasing soil salinity has adverse effects on plant cells by inducing osmotic stress and toxic ion accumulation. High salinity in the soil causes water to diffuse out of plant cells, leading to cell shrinkage and dehydration, often referred to as drought stress. This makes it challenging for plants to absorb necessary water, potentially causing root tip death if salinity reaches a critical level. Additionally, the accumulation of sodium and chloride ions at high concentrations can be toxic to cells, disrupting the function of proteins and cell membranes. Some plants have mechanisms to mitigate this damage, such as excluding or compartmentalizing salt ions, but failure to manage these ions can lead to decreased growth or plant death.
When soluble salts become excessive, they not only damage the roots directly but also make the plant more susceptible to insect attacks and diseases, such as root rot. Furthermore, irrigation can exacerbate soil salinity, leading to reduced plant growth and productivity, contributing to soil degradation and erosion.
Visible symptoms of salinity stress can include reduced shoot growth, leaf necrosis, delayed flowering, premature leaf defoliation, and twig death. It's crucial for farmers to manage soil salinity levels to ensure the health and productivity of their crops.

Answered by EvaSharma1 | 2024-06-25

Increasing soil salinity negatively impacts plant cells by causing water to move out of the cells (osmotic problems), which can lead to dehydration and cell death. Additionally, high salt levels result in toxic accumulations of sodium and chloride ions that disrupt cellular processes. Together, these factors can severely harm plant growth and survival.
;

Answered by srikrishna | 2024-12-26