I. Introduction A. Background of the Study
Plants are organisms that grow and reproduce their own kind. They need for, air, soil, water, light, and space to grow. Plants need soil. Water and minerals are taken from the soil through roots. Soil also provides support for the plant and an anchor for the roots to grow in. Decaying plants and animals leave behind minerals in the soil that are essential for future plant growth. Plants need sunlight in order to grow properly. They use light energy to change the materials - carbon dioxide and water into food substances (sugars). This process of food productions is called photosynthesis. Only in light can a green plant make food. Plants most also have clean air. Green plants take in carbon dioxide from air and use it during photosynthesis to make food. Dirty, smoggy air blocks sunlight that plants must have. Plants need water. Water is essential to all life on earth. No known organism can exist without water. Plants use water to carry moisture and nutrients from the roots to he leaves and food from the leaves back down to the roots. Plants must also have space in order to grow. Plants are found everywhere - deserts, mountains, arctic regions, forests, jungles, oceans, and even in cracks of sidewalks of busy cities. If the space is small, the plants will be small and stunted. Big plants need big spaces for their roots and branches.
Water is equally important for plants. It is essential for the germination of seeds and growth of plants. During the process of photosynthesis, plants synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. Therefore, water is one of the essential components for the plant. Water acts as a solvent for fertilizers and other minerals, which are taken up by the plant roots in the from of solution. Thus, water serves as the medium in which plants absorb soluble nutrients from the soil. Water serves as medium for transport of