We all know what a tree looks like above ground, but the underground portion of a tree is equally vital. The roots are frequently referred to as the “root” of a tree’s health, failure, and longevity.
Roots are the non-leafy section of a plant’s body that lacks nodes. It is the organ found beneath the soil’s surface. Roots can also be aerial, meaning they grow above the ground, or aerated, meaning they float on the surface of the water. The roots are in charge of providing appropriate water and nutrients for the growth of the stems and leaves.
The three main types of root systems are described below:-
Fibrous root system
The fibrous root system is a distinguishing trait of monocotyledonous plants such as cereals, crops, and corn. They are thread-like and grow from the base of the stem or the nodes of a horizontal stem rather than the seed’s radicle. The primary root in monocots is short-lived and is supplanted by a large number of thin fibre fibrous roots. Wheat, rice, maize, barley, grasses, and other plants have fibrous root systems.
Roots are adapted to accomplish various plant activities such as support, food storage, and respiration. A few of the fibrous root system’s alterations are discussed below:
Fleshy fibrous roots in storage: Fleshy fibrous roots are adaptations to the fibrous root structure used for food storage. They contain nourishment prepared by the plant, which causes them to become fleshy and bloated.
Stilt Roots as Mechanical Support: Stilt roots are modified roots that are used to provide mechanical support. It grows from the lower nodes of the stem in monocots. It grows in an inclined downward direction into the soil. They grow fibrous roots after piercing the earth. They provide support to the plant’s primary axis.
Reproductive Roots for Vegetative Propagation: These roots form buds and participate in vegetative propagation. These buds later developed into a separate new plant under favourable conditions.
Adventitious Root System
The adventitious root system develops from any part of the plant other than the radicle, such as stem nodes, internodes, leaves, and so on. Fibrous root systems are another type of adventitious root system. Those who can be underground or above ground. These roots are commonly found in grasses, banyan trees, Monstera, and other plants.
Fibrous roots and adventitious roots are very similar. Adventitious roots are those that form from parts of the plant other than the radicle. They can grow both underground and above ground. An aerial root grows above ground, absorbing nutrients directly from the air. Adventitious roots can typically grow from any node, internode, stem, branch, or even leaf.
TapRoot
When a seed germinates, a single root grows vertically down into the soil from the radicle. This is referred to as the primary root or taproot. A taproot system penetrates the soil deeply. Lateral roots or secondary roots are the roots that grow directly from the primary root. The ROOTLETS or ROOT HAIR are a collection of tiny hair-like structures found on the root. This type of root system is known as a Tap Root System. Taproot acts as a very strong anchor for the plant.
TapRoot Characteristics:
- It grows vertically downwards and develops directly from the radicle.
- The primary root is only one main root that grows from the end of the stem.
- The primary root sends out secondary and tertiary root branches.
- Secondary and tertiary roots are the lateral roots of the taproot.
- It is very thick, straight, and penetrates the soil deeply.
- The rootlets or root hair are very fine hairlike structures on the root.
Conclusion
A man develops a massive turnip but is unable to get it out, so he seeks assistance. He is now pulling on the turnip plant while his wife is pulling on him. He eventually gets the kids, the dogs, and a mouse. The turnip pops out, although it took some work. Although this is a children’s fable, the turnip they were battling was a root. A turnip is one form of root, but before we get into it, let’s talk about what a root accomplishes for a plant.
To begin, the roots function as a hose, bringing water and nutrients to the plant. Most roots are found below ground and absorb water as well as minerals from the soil before transporting them to other sections of the plant. That is why plant fertiliser is applied to the soil around a new plant. The root’s second function is to keep the plant in place. The roots of a tree anchor it in place and prevent it from being blown over by the wind. Some roots are utilised to store nutrients, as well as seeds. A carrot has a type of root that stores a large portion of its nutrients underground.