The 11th International Conference on Water Resource and Environment (WRE 2025)

Abstract: Dew condensation is substantial and frequent, serving as an essential water source with significant ecological implications for plant growth. Numerous studies have shown that dew can supplement water to plant leaves; however, few studies have examined the absorption strength of plant leaves under varying amounts of dew. This study employed the isotope tracer experiment method to quantitatively investigate plant dew absorption under different dew quantities, examining the absorption ratios and influencing factors across various plant species. Results indicated that all four studied plant species can directly absorb dew through their leaf surfaces, with absorption rates ranging from 1.43±0.84% to 84.39±6.8%. Due to the unique shield-like depression structure on its leaf surface, Tillandsia exhibited a high dew absorption rate of 84.39±6.8%. In contrast, the shallow-rooted herb Oxalis triangularis ‘Urpurea’ had a low dew absorption rate of only 1.43±0.84% due to its leaf surface being covered with trichomes. Different plants also showed variations in dew absorption ratios under varying dew amounts. For instance, Tillandsia exhibited absorption rates of 92±3.71%, 89.60±2.43%, and 71.74±5.10% at dew quantities of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm, respectively, whereas Epipremnum aureum absorbed 3.72%, 6.15%, and 2.45% at the same dew levels. Dew provided essential moisture for plant growth, and varying leaf surface microstructures among different plants result in diverse dew absorption needs. This study offered a theoretical foundation for comprehensively understanding and utilizing dew resources.