Water evaporates from the leaves through tiny pores called stomata, a process known as transpiration, the evaporation of water at the stomata creates a negative pressure (tension) in the water column within the plant's vascular tissue (xylem). Water molecules are attracted to each other (cohesion), forming a continuous column from the roots to the leaves. As water evaporates from the leaves, the cohesive water column is pulled upwards, drawing water from the roots to replace the lost water. The opening and closing of stomata regulate the rate of transpiration. When stomata are open, water vapor can escape, increasing transpiration. Chop off leaf, you chop off stomata, chop off the plants capacity to pull water through roots. Through photosynthesis, carbon is captured, up to 40% is excreted into soil, carbon, particularly in its activated form, is a water absorbent, meaning it can effectively capture and hold water.