kuivahdus

Kuivahdus is a Finnish term that broadly translates to "drying out" or "withering." It can refer to a physiological state in plants where they lose too much water, leading to a decline in turgor pressure and eventual wilting. This can be caused by insufficient water availability in the soil, excessive transpiration due to heat or wind, or damage to the root system. In a more general sense, kuivahdus can also describe the drying out of other substances, such as paint or soil.

The process of kuivahdus in plants often begins with a loss of rigidity. Leaves may droop, and stems can become limp. If the condition persists, the plant may experience irreversible damage, leading to cell death and browning of tissues. Recovery is possible if the water deficit is corrected in time, allowing the plant to rehydrate and regain its turgor. However, severe or prolonged kuivahdus can be fatal. Factors influencing the susceptibility of a plant to kuivahdus include its species, the environmental conditions, and its overall health.

In non-biological contexts, kuivahdus simply denotes the process of becoming dry. For example, one might speak of the kuivahdus of paint on a surface or the kuivahdus of soil after a period of no rain. The underlying principle is the evaporation or removal of moisture.