Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD): Understanding Its Impact on Plants Under Climate Change

VPD (vapor pressure deficit) is the difference between the amount of moisture in the air and the amount of moisture it can hold when it is fully saturated. It's a measure of the air's drying power, often used to determine plant stress during high temperatures and low humidity.

As density increases under climate change, VPD also rises. This is because denser air holds more moisture. Therefore, with the same amount of moisture, a denser air will have a higher VPD. This can cause increased plant stress as the air becomes drier and temperatures rise, making it harder for them to obtain the moisture needed for survival.