Introductory Crop Physiology (1+1)

Passive absorption of water

Passive absorption of water takes place when rate of transpiration is usually high. Rapid evaporation of water from the leaves during transpiration creates a tension in water in the xylem of the leaves.
This tension is transmitted to water in xylem of roots through the xylem of stem and water rises upward to reach the transpiring surfaces. As a result, soil water enters into the cortical cells through root hairs to reach the xylem of roots to maintain the supply of water.

The force of this entry of water is created in leaves due to rapid transpiration and hence, the root cells remain passive during this process.

Animation on water absorption:

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