Part 4/10:
Photosynthesis is the remarkable process through which trees grow. By absorbing sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil, trees produce glucose—transforming environmental resources into their own sustenance. Interestingly, the oxygen released during photosynthesis derives not from the carbon dioxide but from the water that trees absorb, showcasing a fascinating dynamic between the elements.
This vital process highlights a key reason behind the efficient growth of trees. In modern agricultural practices, especially methods like hydroponics where minimal nutrients are used, the abundance of carbon and oxygen from the air allows plants to thrive, illuminating the mystery of how they can produce such an expanse of biomass with relatively little fertilizer.