Does drought increase or decrease plant growth?

Answer 1

Drought generally decreases plant growth. When plants experience drought, it results in limited availability of water which is essential for their growth and survival. Lack of water prevents plants from adequately carrying out important physiological processes like photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and transpiration. As a result, plant growth slows down or stops, leading to wilting, reduced biomass production, and sometimes even death. In some cases, drought stress can also lead to the loss of leaves, flowers, and fruits, further hampering plant growth and productivity.