Crop scientists at Stoller refer to the roots as the 'brains' of the plant.The root zone is like the control centre for the tree.
Besides being an important site for water uptake, nutrient uptake and hormone production, the roots are where signals and regulation of all plant parts take place.
Proteins and hormones move around the plant triggering growth response at the shoots, fruits, roots and leaves.
Roots are sensitive to temperature change and moisture variation so we want them to grow in a stable environment with not all the root mass in one place or right near the soil surface.
When the roots shut down, the signals are not moving in the plant.
Temperature is also important—depending on tree variety, soil type etc.—roots have an optimal temperature range for growth. There is not much active root growth below about 15C.
Some trees are more or less sensitive to drought and flooding, and some trees will die after only a couple of days of waterlogging. There is no point applying nutrients to the root zone if the roots are not functional. Many nutrients such as nitrates will move through the root zone quickly and never be absorbed.
Where do roots get their food?
When asked this question most people say from fertiliser and nutrients applied to the soil. However, in reality roots get their food from the leaves.
Water and nutrients move to the leaves where photosynthesis occurs and then sugars are sent back down to the roots as food. This means the whole tree needs to be functioning to keep the roots alive.
Active root hairs only live for about 14 days then new root growth is required.
Programs for root health
A holistic program is needed to keep roots healthy. We need to consider a number of points:
The environment around the roots must be able to hold water and nutrients. (Good cation exchange capacity, salt management and sufficient organic matter.)
The moisture must not be too great or too little. (Irrigation management must be right.)
A good balance of the right nutrients at the right time. (Good nutrition program.)
Control of pests and diseases.
Stable temperatures. (Achieved by deeper roots.)
Constant observation and monitoring. (Using soil moisture probes, eyes and shovel.)
What Stoller offers
Stoller has been developing programs for trees for more than 40 years. Our expertise starts with nutrients—ensuring a feed of the required nutrients through the soil, leaves and woody tissue.
Stoller has also developed products such as RootFeed (containing stabilised nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and cofactors) designed to optimise root growth, increase root mass and enhance the brains of the plant.
Stoller also offers programs to balance soil nutrition and to move undesirable salts such as sodium chloride out of the root zone.
see Tree Fruit November 2014
