Why do gardeners care about respiration?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Gardeners are concerned with the energy process of respiration because it affects the health of the plants and their production. Suppose you know how this energy is being utilized. In that case, you can eliminate or prevent the common troubles caused by a faulty plant, such as respiration issues, root rot, and stunted growth. Respiration also influences how plants respond to changing conditions caused by factors such as watering, soil, and pruning. Mastering these methods of respiration means healthier plants and larger crops.
Soil Aeration
- Prevents root suffocation in compacted soils
- Mix compost or perlite into planting beds annually
- Use broadfork instead of tilling to preserve soil structure
- Install French drains in waterlogged areas
Water Control
- Avoid waterlogging that triggers anaerobic respiration
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots
- Use moisture meters to prevent overwatering
- Install raised beds in heavy clay soils
Temperature Regulation
- Mulch beds to moderate soil temperature extremes
- Use shade cloth during summer heatwaves
- Position cold-sensitive plants near thermal mass
- Vent greenhouses during daytime temperature spikes
Growth Phase Timing
- Prune during low-respiration periods (cool mornings)
- Transplant seedlings when respiration demands are lower
- Fertilize before peak growth phases for energy support
- Harvest fruits during cooler hours to reduce stress
Soil conditions are crucial when considering root respiration. Compacted soils quickly deprive roots of oxygen. I discovered this when my tomatoes began turning yellow, despite proper feeding. I mixed in some coarse sand and compost, which allowed the soil to breathe. The plants were back in business in two weeks with darker leaves and new flowers. Always check the soil's compactness before planting.
Water management balances respiratory efficiency. Plants that are too wet will resort to low-energy anaerobic respiration. This happened to my basil under self-watering pots. I solved it by adding perlite to the potting mix and lowering the reservoir levels. Plants require both wet and dry cycles to maintain healthy respiratory oxygen absorption.
Coordinating periodic operations with respiratory rhythms yields more productive results. For example, during cool mornings, when the metabolic rate is low, roses may be pruned. Seedlings, when planted on cloudy days, may suffer less stress. Vegetables should be harvested in the early morning when the sugar content reaches its maximum. These small modifications, which utilize the natural respiratory rhythms, may yield superior results.
Read the full article: Respiration in Plants: The Complete Process Guide
