Abiotic agents refer to non-living chemical and physical factors in the environment that can impact living organisms, including plants. These agents include elements such as temperature, light, water, humidity, and soil type. When considering their effects on plants, abiotic agents can create harmful conditions that adversely affect plant health.
For instance, extreme temperatures—whether too high or too low—can cause stress to plants, leading to wilting, poor growth, or even death. Additionally, insufficient water or drought conditions can result in dehydration, affecting the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and produce energy. Poor soil quality, characterized by a lack of nutrients or improper pH levels, can hinder plant growth and development.
While abiotic factors can sometimes promote healthy growth under optimal conditions, the focus here is on the detrimental impacts resulting from unfavorable abiotic influences. This understanding emphasizes the critical need to manage these environmental factors to support plant health effectively.