Niiskusvastupidaisuutta

Niiskusvastupidaisuus is a Finnish term that translates literally to “dryness resistance” and refers to the ability of organisms, particularly plants, to withstand low moisture conditions. In agricultural science it is used to characterize crops that can maintain yield and developmental processes when soil water is limited. The concept is also relevant to ecological studies of plant communities in arid and semi‑arid biomes, where resource‐limited environments shape species composition and functioning.

Assessment of niiskusvastupidaisuus is typically performed through controlled drought experiments that monitor physiological responses such as stomatal conductance, leaf water potential, relative water content, and yield parameters. Traits such as deep root systems, osmotic adjustment, increased wax deposition, and higher leaf abscisic acid sensitivity are associated with greater drought tolerance. Standardized index values or drought tolerance classes may be assigned based on a plant’s performance under graded water deficit treatments.

In crop improvement programmes, breeding for niiskusvastupidaisuus is a key objective in regions where rainfall variability threatens food security. Marker‑assisted selection and genomic selection increasingly incorporate drought‑tolerance loci, while agronomic practices such as deficit irrigation and mulching aim to reduce water stress. Beyond food crops, the term also applies to forest species, horticultural plants, and bio‑energy crops, helping guide species selection for rehabilitation of degraded lands.

Understanding and enhancing niiskusvastupidaisuus is therefore critical for sustaining agricultural productivity and ecosystem resilience under the continuing pressures of climate change and increasing frequency of extended dry spells.