2.4.3. Root functions

  2.4.3. Root functions

 

  Roots as major vegetative organs supply water, minerals, and substances essential for rice growth and development. Roots serve the rice plant in the following important ways which are absorption, anchorage, and transport. The absorption of water and minerals occurs primarily through the roots tips and hairs. Root hairs are tubular extensions on the outermost layer of the roots. Root hairs are important in water uptake as well as in nutrient uptake. they are generally short-lived. Older roots perform the necessary functions of substance transport.  Soil water cotains nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Rice roots take up the soil water and the nutrients. The roots also support the upper parts of the plant. The roots anchor the plant in the soil. And roots themselves need to be anchored against the force exerted by terminal parts that penetrate dense soil zones.