Moisture Transfer between Plants through Intertwined Root Systems.

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Abstract
The general problem of material transfer between plants is briefly discussed and an experimental method for its evaluation is explained. Data from 4 experiments on transfer of moisture between tomato plants are reported. Moisture was transferred between plants whose roots were associated in sand or loam or through the roots of an intervening plant which itself had access only to transferred water. It moved in quantities sufficient to delay, or even prevent, the onset of wilting in relatively large plants. The mechanism of transfer is discussed, and it is suggested that transfer occurs only after some critical soil moisture is achieved. Several pathways of water movement between roots are suggested.