Juuristo

Juuristo is the root system of a vascular plant, encompassing all roots and root-derived tissues. It anchors the plant, absorbs water and nutrients, stores carbohydrates, and mediates interactions with soil organisms. The root system originates from the root apical meristem behind the root cap and extends through the soil via primary and lateral roots.

Typical root systems are classified as taproot, with a dominant central root, or fibrous, consisting of many thin, spreading roots. Many species produce adventitious roots from stems or other tissues. Roots contain root hairs for increased surface area and specialized structures such as storage roots or nodules in legumes.

Key functions include uptake of water and minerals, stability, storage, and carbon allocation to soil microbes. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic networks that expand nutrient absorption, while nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume nodules supply atmospheric nitrogen.

Root architecture adapts to soil conditions, influencing drought tolerance, nutrient use efficiency, and erosion control. In agriculture, root crops like carrots store carbohydrates in roots; breeding programs consider root traits for yield and resilience. Practices such as minimizing soil compaction, deep tillage when appropriate, crop rotation, and cover cropping affect root development.

Root diseases, such as root rot, nematodes, and salinity stress, impair function. Studying roots is challenging due to soil opacity; methods include soil coring, minirhizotrons, and transparent growth media.