In winter, everything withers, and the earth falls into silence. In this cold season, plants have their own survival strategies, tenaciously enduring the severe cold. How do plants survive the winter? This article will unveil the survival methods of plants during the winter.
Plants' Morphological Changes1. Deciduous Plants
For deciduous plants, the key to surviving winter lies in reducing water evaporation and energy consumption. In autumn, plants lower water loss by shedding leaves, while also reducing photosynthesis to decrease energy consumption. The fallen leaves also provide organic matter for the soil, preparing for the next year's growth.
2. Evergreen Plants
Evergreen plants mainly lower their metabolism to survive the winter. They reduce energy consumption by decreasing photosynthesis and respiration to adapt to the cold environment. The leaf surface of evergreen plants has a layer of wax that can effectively reduce water evaporation.
Plants' Physiological Changes1. Accumulation of Cold-Resistant Substances
Plants accumulate substances such as sugars and fats in winter to lower the freezing point of the cell fluid, reducing the damage to cell structures caused by freezing. Plants also synthesize antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative damage.
2. Dormant State
Many plants enter a dormant state in winter to reduce metabolism and energy consumption. Plants in a dormant state slow down their growth and have a weakened response to the external environment, thereby reducing the risk of frost damage.
Plants' Environmental Adaptation for Overwintering1. Dense Arrangement
In winter, plants reduce air flow and heat loss by dense arrangement. Such an arrangement can also shield plants from each other, reducing wind and sun exposure.
2. Underground Growth
Some plants adopt underground growth in winter to lower the temperature of their growing parts and reduce the risk of frost damage. Bulbous plants like lilies and tulips enter an underground growth state in winter.
Plants' Cultivation Management for Overwintering1. Choosing Cold-Resistant Plants
In winter, choosing cold-resistant plants for cultivation can reduce the risk of frost damage. Some cold-tolerant trees and shrubs include pines, oaks, and lilacs.
2. Applying Organic Fertilizers
In winter, applying organic fertilizers to plants can improve the soil's insulation capacity and reduce the risk of frost damage. Organic fertilizers also provide ample nutrition for plants, promoting their growth in the following year.
3. Rational Irrigation
In winter, rational irrigation can keep the soil moist and lower soil temperature, reducing the risk of frost damage. However, it is important to note that excessive irrigation can lead to soil freezing, exacerbating frost damage.
Plants have a variety of survival strategies for overwintering, including morphological and physiological changes, as well as environmental adaptation and cultivation management measures. Understanding these survival strategies helps us better protect plants during winter, allowing them to grow robustly.