Importance of Plants in our Life: Their role on the Earth
Earth is called a green planet due to the presence of plants on it. Plants are considered to be the
first living organisms born on the earth. Without plants, the environment and human life on this
earth cannot exist. We grow plants in our homes, gardens, farms, roadsides, etc. Their presence
is inevitable for clean air, food, and water in this world. Even these plants contribute to
our economy. People in many countries rely on plant products for their livelihood and income.
Plants people relationships are so much interlinked that we need them to survive.
Importance of Plants to humans
Benefits of plants to humans Plants are in following ways as:
1.Food: Plants are the main source of food for humans. Plants, unlike humans and animals,
manufacture their own food. They do so by the process known as photosynthesis in their green
leaves by use of sunlight. They can convert and store the light energy in the form of
carbohydrates. This process from this manufactured food, they consume some of it and store the
remaining. This is stored in the form of fruits, seeds, tuberous roots, etc. This fruits and other
parts of plants are consumed by humans. The food is in the form of vegetables, fruits, grains,
cereals, leaves, seeds, mushrooms, etc. They provide the complete food comprising of
carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. But still, for few vitamins, we may need to
rely on animal foods. This is the prime importance of plants to humans.
2.Clothing: Plants are the largest providers of textile and fabric material. These materials are
eco-friendly, compatible and less expensive. So they are used for making cloth and bedding
material which is required by humans
3. Furniture & Shelter: Plants are the important source of furniture. The plant wood is used to
build houses and also to make other furniture items. We use wood for the purpose due to its
features like durability, stylish finishing, resistance to temperature changes, etc. The trees like
teak, neem, red sandal, etc. are good sources of wood for making doors, chairs, shelves, tables,
etc.
Even the presence of plants around the area of human life relieves stress. Hence we see many
people growing small plants in their household to get fresh air and also give naturalness.
4. Flowers: Flowers are used widely by humans. They are used for beauty, to convey feelings
and also for their fragrance. In some countries, they worn as garlands and even in the hair on
the head for beauty. While some use them to convey their love to their beloved ones. They are
also used to produce fragrance, and even their scent is extracted for daily use.
5. Medicines: Plants are an excellent source of medicine even for life-threatening diseases. For
example, drugs like
♦ Ginseng for vitality and immunity enhancement.
♦ Digoxin for congestive heart failure (from digitalis plant)
♦ Vincristine for cancer treatment (from vinca rosea)
6. A source of vitamins: Plants are the largest source of essential vitamins to the body. The
body cannot manufacture vitamins on its own for metabolism.
7. Rubber & Plastic: We obtain rubber required for tire, wiring, seats, etc. from plants.
8. Natural pesticides: Plants are also the source of insecticides and pesticides. Using
artificial pesticides are harmful to the environment. They may even enter food causing health
issue to human and animals. Using these naturally derived pesticides are safe. They degrade with
time and even do not harm the soil. Ex: Pyrethrin (as Mosquito repellant), Neem, bacteria, etc.
9. Biofuels: Some plants are also grown for the sake of bio-fuels. The plant’s fuel is less toxic
since it does not emit harmful gasses and also less expensive. Even the plant waste is used to
generate electricity.
10. Economic contribution: Plants are great contributors to an economy. Many countries
rely on agriculture as one of the main sources of revenue. Plants are responsible for the
production of food, cosmetics, drugs, cloth, honey, gum, tannins, essential oils (perfumes),
alkaloids, resins, etc. which are all money yielding. So plants provide a great contribution to
economic growth. Even now many countries’ economies are primarily dependent on plant
products.
Importance of Plants in nature.
Environment and the climate are interlinked mainly with plants. The presence of plants
influences Rainfall, humidity, and temperature. Cutting down plants also imbalance the
environment which will indirectly affect human life.
1. They form the starting point of food chains: In every food chain, the plants occupy the first
position and lead the chain as a source of food.
2. Gaseous balance: Plants help maintain gaseous balance in the air. Animals emit carbon
dioxide by taking in oxygen. This rise in carbon dioxide levels in air is reduced by plants.
They consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. Thus oxygen the
essential life force is kept intact on the earth due to plants alone.
3.Prevent soil erosion: Plants, when grown in dense, prevent soil erosion, i.e., in times of
winds, the fertile top layer of soil is carried away by air. This is prevented by plants if grown
around
4. Ecological balance: Plants impart greenery to the atmosphere, they help reduce heat and
prevent drying up of moisture. Thus they are environmental savvy.
5. Support rainfall: Plants and trees have a cooling effect on the atmosphere leading to
rainfall. Hence we see no rains in deserts. Rainfall is very important to provide water for
drinking, cleaning, irrigation, etc. Hence the role of forest in the cause of rainfall is
indispensable..
6. Maintain soil fertility: Plants maintain soil fertility. Their droppings and shedding of
leaves, fruits, and other parts degrade in the soil to form humus. This humus increases soil
fertility as it is microbial friendly. Plants like blue-green algae and bacteria are also extensively
used to fix nitrogen in the soil for agriculture.
7. Support for birds and animals: plants are the best places of shelter for birds and few
animals like monkeys & squirrels to live. Birds build their nests for hatching eggs, sleep, hunt,
and safety on the trees. In forests, animals can take shelter under trees in heavy summers and
rain. They also provide nutrition for many soil worms (earthworms), insects, rodents, etc.
