RootMaker Studies RSS

Dr. Carl Whitcomb, Lacebark Research, Stillwater, OK. Start with the basic physiological principles of plant growth. The more you work with the natural plant requirements and responses, the greater the benefits. The more you try to dictate to plants and ignore these basics, the more problems you create. Light is essential for leaf functions and production of energy (sugars) that drive growth of roots and tops. With nearly all species, high light is superior to shading. Exceptions are beech, some maples, and a few other species that have evolved to do best with some shade during the early years. When...

First and most critical step toward creating a fibrous root system. Non-circling fibrous roots allow for rapid establishment following transplanting. Greater root tip surface area means greater efficiency in water and nutrient absorption. Promotes horizontal root branching. Available Sizes: 18-Cell, 32-Cell, 60-Cell, 105-Cell. All fit in 1020 Lightweight Mesh Flat. RootMaker® Express 18 is an Injection-Molded 18-Cell Propagation Tray that holds individual cells. RootMakers® are designed to direct roots into openings in the container. The first root to reach an opening is usually the tap root. When this occurs, the tip dehydrates and stops growing and secondary roots form that are horizontal in growth...

Plants grown using organic fertilizers are sometimes criticized for slow growth compared to their chemically grown counterparts. But this gap can be closed by improving the root system. Nutrient levels in soil using organic systems and fertilizers are typically low compared to chemical fertilizers. One root tip can absorb a given amount of nutrients in a day, week or month. If one root can be stimulated to branch and create 10 roots, then branching of those 10 to create 100 roots and beyond --- nutrient absorption is similarly improved.    Figure 1. When a seed germinates, the primary or taproot...