Cedar root system: scheme and dimensions, features of growth and development
The root system of the cedar is characterized by many features. This plant includes a short root in the form of a rod, from which lateral processes extend in different directions. At their tips are small root hairs. In these areas, mycorrhiza is formed, which is also called the fungus root. If the tree grows in well-drained soil, strong anchor roots appear on the core part. They are able to go deep into the soil structure by 2-3 meters.
Appearance of roots
For the successful cultivation of Siberian cedar, it is important to familiarize yourself with the structure of the root system, since plant care and the use of certain agricultural techniques depend on this.
When compared to Scots pine, cedar roots are more superficial. They are located in the upper layers of the soil and deepen by a maximum of 20 centimeters.
Underground
The cedar root system has a simple scheme. Its structure includes a small rod root, from which lateral processes extend in different directions. At their ends there are small root hairs. They are the raw material for the formation of mycorrhiza. This term is understood as a mushroom root, which consists of a combination of mushrooms and crop roots.
Due to the presence of mushrooms on the roots, a perennial plant is saturated with nutrients. In addition, the area of soil recharge of the cedar increases significantly. At the same time, pine provides the fungus with sugars and minerals that are needed for its normal functioning.
It is worth considering that plants that have well-developed mycorrhiza on the roots are characterized by powerful development, have a lush crown and strong immunity.When planting a crop in light soil, which is permeable to air and moisture, a short tap root is overgrown with strong anchor roots. They are directed into the deep structures of the earth and can be up to 2-3 meters long.
Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionSuch root shoots in combination with basal paws provide reliable fixation of the plant in the soil structure. Thanks to the adnexal root system, cedar can grow on mountain slopes and in not too powerful stony soils.Sprouts of roots firmly cling to stones and easily penetrate into cracks in rocks, fixing well there. If the cedar grows in too dense and hard soil, after a while the surface roots begin to die off. This entails a slowdown in crop growth and a decrease in its yield parameters. In addition, the decorative characteristics of the plant are deteriorating.
At the same time, in areas where a lot of natural litter from fallen leaves or needles accumulates, cedar roots form many new adventitious roots. They stimulate the growth and development of the tree, make it sustainable and productive.
Outside
The main part of the root shoots of the culture is in the upper layer of soil. They deepen a maximum of 20 centimeters. During the development of young crops, active growth of adventitious roots and the main stem is observed.
If a tree is in rocky soil and develops in an area dominated by a cold climate, it may show roots outside. They tightly cover rocks or stones, which makes the perennial culture more stable. Due to the presence of superficial roots, the plant is able to develop even in cold peat soil.
Features of growth and development
Siberian cedar roots are considered aerobic. This means that well-drained soil is required for its normal development. It is important that it is light and contains enough nutrients.
Young seedlings are distinguished by superficial roots, which are presented in the form of horizontal roots. They are localized 10-20 centimeters from the surface of the earth. After some time, the formation of a taproot is observed, which has many lateral branches. They have fungus on them. It should be borne in mind that the absence of mycorrhiza on the roots provokes the withering of the tree and leads to its premature death.
Adventitious roots are present in small numbers. The development of the main tap root occurs in the first 20-30 years. It, as a rule, does not go deeper into the ground by more than 80 centimeters. By the age of 40, the root system is fully formed. It acquires characteristics that are inherent in the described culture.
Later the roots only get thicker and longer. The intensity of the growth of the root system in trees older than 40 years largely depends on environmental conditions and the presence of other plantings near the tree. So, on the forest edge, on which there are no large trees nearby, the roots will be 5-6 times larger than those of plants living in the forest thicket.
With the development of cedar in moist soil, which contains many nutrients, is breathable and has a light mechanical composition, strong anchor-type root shoots are formed. They increase resistance to wind and heavy precipitation. If the plant develops in the mountains, instead of anchor roots, it has superficial ones. They help the tree to establish itself on slopes and in rocky terrain.
Root system size
What are the dimensions of the cedar root system? This culture is characterized by slow development.The fact is that the period of its vegetation is considered to be rather short and does not exceed 40-45 days. Active root formation is observed during the first 20-30 years. Such a period of time is required for the active development of the tap root. Subsequently, the growth of the root system depends on the conditions and terrain of growth. Equally important is the presence of neighbors nearby.
After 40 years, the cedar develops more slowly. At the same time, its roots, which have already formed by the age of 30, become longer and thicker. This process depends on other crops that are nearby.
In cedars growing alone, the roots cover the entire area. In this case, the system goes far beyond the boundaries of the crown. In such a situation, up to 11 tiers of branching roots are observed. In plants that are located next to other trees, shoots predominate in the structure of the root system. At the same time, their main part goes into the depth of the soil. Only some of these fragments grow in the intervals between crowns.In this case, the number of branch orders is no more than 5-6.
In an area that is characterized by low temperatures, the cedar has well-branched roots. They are located near the very surface of the earth.
In addition, the size of the roots is determined by the type of plant. Currently, there are many artificially obtained varieties of cedars, which are conventionally divided into the following varieties:
- tall;
- short;
- undersized decorative.
It is important to consider that the larger the size of the culture, the larger the roots it will have.
Siberian cedar is an attractive coniferous crop that has become widespread in the Urals and Siberia. In order for a plant to develop normally and fully, it must have a strong root system that adapts to specific growth conditions.With a lack of moisture and high soil density, the plant forms surface shoots. If the cedar develops in light soil, it has a powerful system with the main rod and anchor roots.
