Which of the following does not affect evapotranspiration according to the factors listed?

• A. Relative Humidity
• B. Soil Nutrients
• C. Air Temperature
• D. Wind Speed

Answer: (B)

Evapotranspiration is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere through both evaporation and plant transpiration. Several factors influence this process, and understanding these can help in effective water management practices in landscaping.

Relative humidity plays a critical role in evapotranspiration. High humidity levels can reduce the rate of evaporation because the air is already saturated with moisture, making it harder for additional moisture to escape into the atmosphere. Conversely, low humidity increases the potential for evaporation.

Air temperature is another key factor. Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of evaporation and transpiration because warm air can hold more moisture. As temperatures rise, plants also may transpire more, leading to higher rates of water loss.

Wind speed affects evapotranspiration as well. Wind can increase the rate of evaporation by moving saturated air away from the surface of water or soil, allowing drier air to come into contact with the surface and absorb more moisture. This is why windy conditions often result in increased water loss from irrigation or wet surfaces.

Soil nutrients, while essential for plant health and growth, do not have a direct impact on the rate of evapotranspiration. They influence plant growth and may indirectly affect transpiration rates by determining how well a plant