Soda Vs. Water in Plant Growing

Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis is a biological process plants complete daily. This process requires the use of three main ingredients: sunlight and carbon dioxide, taken in through plant leaves, and water taken in through plant roots. These ingredients are processed by the plant and used to create energy and store nutrients. If any of these ingredients is absent or inadequately provided, photosynthesis is interrupted and plant growth hindered.

Sugar

• Plant roots are designed to absorb as much pure water as they can, as quickly as possible, while slowly absorbing impurities to filter them out. Sugar in water is recognized as an impurity by plants; therefore, soda water with sugar is absorbed very slowly. This water often remains standing around the base of the plant and breeds microorganisms, causing problems for the plant. The plant may also become dehydrated due to decreased water intake from the sugar.

Nutrients

• Both soda water and plain water contain nutrients that are beneficial to plants. The carbonated water of soda contains higher levels of nutrients added by the carbonation process. Pure water contains only trace amounts of those nutrients, though the nutrients are present and sufficient for average plant growth. Often, the ingredients in soda that are harmful to plants negate the benefits of the added nutrients it offers.

Distilled Water

• Distilled water is a type of water that is extra purified to remove impurities. Since it is so pure, distilled water is readily absorbed by plants and put to use immediately. Though distilled water is often what is used to create soda, it quickly becomes impure due to the added sugar. Distilled water alone gives plants a boost of necessary hydration. Carbonated distilled water provided to plants weekly acts as a fertilizer. Soda, however, hinders plant growth and eventually kills the plant.