What is dry weight in plants?

Dry weight in plants means the weight of the plant after removing all its water content, showing only the solid matter left behind. Plants contain a large amount of water. When we remove this water, the remaining weight is called dry weight. It is an important concept in botany and agriculture because it tells us about the real growth and biomass of a plant.

Definition of Dry Weight

Dry weight is the total weight of the plant body after it has been dried completely, usually in an oven, until no water remains. This weight represents only organic and inorganic material such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals.

Importance of Dry Weight

• Measure of Plant Growth: More dry weight means better growth.
• Indicator of Biomass: Shows how much solid material a plant has.
• Agricultural Use: Helps farmers measure crop yield and productivity.
• Comparison of Species: Useful in research to compare different plants.

Difference Between Fresh Weight and Dry Weight