Root depths grasses

There are many types of roots, including thick fibrous, deep tap, shallow, and tubers, all in one plant community. Some roots explore the soil to significant depth (i.e., as much as 250 cm deep), while others are shallow (i.e., only 25 cm deep). Different rooting depths are found in all plant types grasses, legumes, shrubs, and trees. Each root type will contribute its own unique exudates and characteristics to its unique volume of soil and the associated soil solution. 

Remediation with plants requires that the contaminants be in contact with the root zone of the plants. Therefore, root morphology and depth directly affect the depth of soil that can be remediated or the depth of groundwater that can be influenced. A fibrous root system such as that found in grasses has numerous fine roots spread throughout the soil and provides maximum contact with the soil because of the high surface area of the roots. A tap root system (such as in alfalfa) is dominated... 

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