Root Systems

Roots: In learning about how they work and what they are we can better understand how to better conserve soil fertility, improve plant health and prevent erosion!

Hey everyone! Welcome/Welcome back to Plantastic’s second article. I know we touched on roots a little bit in our first article, but there we really have to dig deep to understand these complex plant organs and their influence.

Roots are typically organized in two different ways:

  1. Fibrous Root System: Common in grasses, this organization involves a concentrated network of thin roots that spread out horizontally from the base of the stem. The roots are similar in size and tend to be shallow but covering a vast area. This helps in preventing soil erosion and absorbing water efficiently from the upper soil layers, where there is the highest concentration of soil biodiversity.

  2. Taproot System: This root system is common many dicots, like parsnips and oak trees. Its most notable feature is the single, thick main root (the taproot) that grows downward. Smaller lateral roots branch off from the taproot. This system is advantageous for plants that need to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers. The taproot also acts as a storage organ for additional nutrients.

What do we not know yet? Could you be the one to find out?

How do roots and soil microbes interact with each other depending on plant species and soil types?

What genes are responsible for root plasticity?

Scientists believe roots are able to signal to and communicate with other roots and microorganisms living in the soil. But how?

What are the specific chemical pathways that control root growth?

What affect does changes in atmospheric composition have on root growth?

COME ALONG TO OUR ZOOM DISCUSSIONS TO SEE WHAT WE CAN FIND OUT TOGETHER!

April 2023