Therefore,
Plants have second root network:
Until now. Meanwhile, scientists thought that the roots of the plants concentrated mainly near the surface. However. In addition, research published in Nature Communications reveal that 20% of the plants studied have a second network Racinaire sinking much deeper into the ground.
Image d’illustration Pixabay
These secondary roots. For example, sometimes reaching more than a meter deep, allow plants to draw inaccessible nutrients differently. Consequently, This adaptation could be a response to unfavorable surface conditions, such as drought or a lack of nutrients. Plants seem to ‘choose’ to exploit these deep resources when necessary.
The study is based on soil samples taken from 44 sites around the world, covering various ecosystems. The researchers identified a so -called ‘bimodal’ model, where the mass of plants have second root network roots has two distinct peaks in depth. This phenomenon, although already known, had never been documented on such a scale.
The implications of this discovery are vast, especially in terms of carbon storage. Deep floors could play a more important role than expected in carbon sequestration. thus offering tracks to alleviate the effects of climate change.
This research questions several hypotheses on root growth and their role in ecosystems. She also suggests that plants could be more resilient in the face of environmental changes than we thought.
How do plants access deep nutrients? – Plants have second root network
Plants develop from various strategies to access nutrients in depth. These mechanisms include the growth of specialized roots capable of drilling compacted layers of soil.
Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, essential for plant growth, are often more abundant in depth. The secondary roots allow plants to bypass the intense competition for surface resources.
This adaptation is particularly important in arid plants have second root network or poor in nutrients. It illustrates the remarkable capacity of plants to adapt to their environment to survive and prosper.
What is the impact of this discovery on the fight against climate change?
The discovery of deep roots could significantly influence carbon sequestration strategies. Deep floors, less affected by surface disturbances, offer a stable tank for carbon.
Plants play a key role in the carbon cycle by absorbing CO2 of the atmosphere. The storage of this carbon in the deep roots could prolong its stay in the ground. thus reducing its return to the atmosphere.
This perspective opens up new ways for the development of cultures specifically designed to maximize carbon storage in depth.
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