Dew is moisture from the air. This moisture moves from the air onto plants because the plant surfaces have a lower concentration of water than the air at that moment. Dew, condensation and rain are the same things – water moving out of the air. Water molecules slow down as air temperature drops. This allows water molecules to bond until a group of water molecules become heavier than the air can hold. This moisture then falls out of the air. This means it rains every night whether we know it or not, even in the desert because moisture falls out of the air as dew. In other words, dew is moisture that falls a short distance and rain is dew that falls a long distance.
Moisture that falls from air, plants can absorb through pores which go by names such as stomata and lenticels (these are the same things on different parts of the plant). Consider this. Seeds (baby plants) can absorb moisture through their skins.
Also, why is foliar feeding used as a method to get nutrients to plants if the foliage is not absorbing the nutrients through the pores? Pores are simply places in cell walls that can open and close to allow molecules to move in and out of cells.
There's yet another way we know plants absorb water from the air through pores. Grocery stores spray water on fruits and vegetables so these plant parts, most of them without roots, will absorb the water and appear fresher and weigh more. (3) From other plants. The soil ecosystem assists all plants to the degree it is in balance. A balanced soil ecosystem is able to help move water and other nutrients through the system. A balanced soil ecosystem is able to help facilitate the natural rising of groundwater during moon phases and through the diffusion of nutrients from higher concentrations deeper in the soil to lower areas of concentration nearer the surface and vice versa. (4) From within the plant itself. When necessary, plants shutdown functions and sacrifice portions of themselves and then use that water and other resources, not just for self but also in consideration of the soil ecosystem. (5) From organic matter on top of soil. Mulch that has absorbed water will diffuse water into the soil when needed. (6) From organic matter inside the soil. Just like mulch, organic matter inside the soil absorbs water and diffuses this water into the soil when needed. (7) From bodies of water. Plants closer to moving or standing bodies of water are able to draw upon these resources in two ways. Nearby soil absorbs this water and plant roots instinctively grow towards this water. (8) From perennial plants, Mature perennial trees are essential to maintaining the availability of water and other nutrients in the soil ecosystem. Trees drink from deeper and wider in the soil. Tress then constantly release large of amounts of water into the air. This water saturates the air faster and usually causes it to rain more frequently. In this manner, trees assist shallower-rooted plants and annuals.
Tress improve the likelihood of more frequent rain patterns. Trees have a significant impact on how quickly water moves through the water cycle. Even so, all plants participate in the process. Trees and other perennials are more stable and secure and are able to move larger amounts of water. These things benefit annual plants the most.
These are some of the reasons why plants should be planted as a mix of perennials and annuals, just as nature does. Gardens and farms should be this way.
