Why do plants need to be dried to accurately measure their biomass?

Plants contain a lot of water, which significantly affects their overall biomass measurement. Biomass refers to the amount of living material in an organism, and when plants contain high levels of water, this can skew the results. Water makes up a considerable part of a plant's weight, and if it is not removed prior to measurement, it would lead to an inaccurate reading of the plant’s actual biomass. Drying the plants removes the water content, allowing for a more accurate representation of the solid organic material, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and other components that contribute to the plant's true mass. This is essential for a clear understanding of a plant's growth, health, and energy content. In contrast, the presence of chloroplasts, growth conditions, or varying sizes do not directly relate to the necessity of drying for accurate biomass measurements.