1. Plants Birth to death, we need plants Commonly overlooked but should be respected They will be our saviors Species variability is important to humans They are not just food They are our friends
2. Plants and us This powerpoint minimally explains how . plants benefit us as humans . photosynthesis works . roots have adapted to different soils
3. Our plants . filter the atmosphere of pollutants . supply us with the oxygen we need . translate energy from the sun . feed ourselves and our livestock . support vital ecosystem services . utilizing light, CO2, water and minerals Los padres on national forest by Chuck the Photographer June 3, 2008
5. Plant mass . Plant mass originates from photosynthesis . Plant mass is accumulated minerals . Plant mass is sugars . The actual mass is mostly water
6. Factors affecting plant mass Nutrient availabilty Ph level 5.5-7.5 typically Elevated CO2 means more mass Ventilation, air flow Intensity of light hitting plant Proper moisture levels within soil
7. Sugars stored after photosynthesis . plants store sugars for later use . plants use their sugars for structure . these sugars are the plant’s nutrition
8. Plants and their vital role …Plants provide our livestock with food … Plants convert sunlight into sugars … sugars are edible to bugs/animals … we eat these plants or animals Los padres on national forest by Chuck the Photographer June 3, 2008
9. Houseplants … are awesome friends … fill the house with oxygen … can yield a variety of herbs … provide a healthy hobby … give chosen seeds a good life
10. Plants grown in low CO2 conditions: ... quickly become spindly and lack vigor … won’t yield fruit, flowers or buds … exhibit larger susceptibility to pests/disease … often die
11. Roots Search out nutrients for the plant Find water for the plant Provide a fixed base for stem Can also strangle other plants roots Roots Roots Roots Roots Roots Roots Roots Roots
12. Root types Plants have evolved many root types Differing moisture conditions caused this almost all roots share a purpose Most roots also require oxygen
13. The taproot Commonly seen as a carrot Is a huge central root Many smaller hair roots extrude Common in dense rooting situations
14. The adventitious roots Burst explosive growth in all directions Are very fibrous Extremely prolific in consuming space Will continue to search for nutrients Anchor the plant firmly Come straight from a stem
15. The fibrous root Comes off of other roots Becomes very, very thin Less than 1mm in some cases Large surface area means maximum absorption Low mass for maximum saturation potential
16. Roots in general The bigger the root system… The more powerful the plant More roots means more water & nutrients Super healthy roots are bright white
