Question

Types of cloud precipitation and its effect on plants

Answer 1

Precipitation comes in many forms - rain,
snow, sleet, hail, and ice. The water availa-
ble to plants for growth is affected by the
amount and type of precipitation, as well as
soil characteristics, temperature, and wind.
The effects of too much or too little precipi-
tation can be temporary or permanent, de-
pending on the type of plant and how long
the condition lasts.
Water is necessary for virtually every func-
tion of plant growth. Lack of water damag-
es plant cells, resulting in decreased
growth, wilting, and leaf scorch, and even-
tually leaf drop and root damage.
Too much water reduces the amount of ox-
ygen in the soil, resulting in root loss or inju-
ry. It can also make the plant more suscep-
tible to many fungal diseases.
Heavy rain can damage plants, compact
soil, and cause erosion.
Snow, in addition to providing moisture, can
also insulate and protect plants from tem-
perature extremes and fluctuations. How-
ever, the weight of heavy snow can break
branches (especially on evergreens). Snow
cover can also make it more difficult for
wildlife to find food and result in more dam-
age to landscape plants. Ice and hail, as
well as de-icing salts, can all cause damage
to plants.
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in
the air, and may or may not be associated
with precipitation. High humidity reduces
water loss from plants, and may increase
the chance of disease