The major source of water to the plants in the diagram is
Answer Details
The major source of water to the plants in the diagram is capillary water.
Capillary water refers to the water that is held in the soil and is available for plant roots to absorb. It is the result of the capillary action, which is the movement of water through tiny spaces or pores in the soil due to the forces of cohesion and adhesion.
When it rains or when the soil is irrigated, water infiltrates into the soil and fills the spaces between soil particles. The force of cohesion between water molecules allows it to move upward against gravity, while the force of adhesion between water molecules and the soil particles allows water to stick to the soil surfaces and move laterally.
Plant roots have tiny root hairs that extend into the soil, and these root hairs are in close contact with the soil particles. As the water moves upward and laterally through capillary action, it comes into contact with the root hairs, and the roots absorb the water through osmosis. This capillary water provides plants with the necessary moisture and nutrients for their growth and survival.
While other sources of water like gravitational water (water that drains through the soil due to gravity), hygroscopic water (water that is tightly bound to the soil particles and is not available to plants), and surface water (water on the surface of the soil) also contribute to the overall water availability, capillary water is the primary source that directly nourishes the plants.
In conclusion, capillary water, which is held in the soil and moves through capillary action, is the major source of water that plants in the diagram can access and absorb through their roots.
