Root Systems in Relation to Stress Tolerance

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Abstract
Roots anchor the plant in the soil, absorb and translocate water and nutrients, synthesize and transport growth regulators and other organic compounds, provide a sink for carbohydrates from the shoots, and in some species act as storage organs. Most research on roots has dealt with their role in absorption. Root characteristics that affect the area of absorbing surface are important, i.e., root length density, number and type of root hairs, and mycorrhizal relations. With nutrients that diffuse slowly in the soil, such as P and K, root density is especially important. Factors that reduce root growth may injure the plant by reducing the volume and intensity of soil exploration. Fortunately, plants produce more roots than are needed for normal growth–insurance that the plant can survive stresses, purchased at a cost of the increased photosynthate and other materials required for the extra root production.

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