rootfeeding

Rootfeeding refers to supplying nutrients to plants through their root system, rather than by foliar application. It is the primary method used in most soils, rockwool, coco coir, and hydroponic systems. Nutrients are delivered as soluble salts in water, mixed into irrigation (fertigation), or incorporated into the growing medium. Through root uptake, plants absorb macroelements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, along with micronutrients like iron and zinc. The efficiency of root feeding depends on soil moisture, temperature, pH, root health, and the chemical form of the nutrients. It is typically more predictable for steady growth than foliar feeding, but requires careful management to avoid waste or toxicity.

Practices include broadcasting granular fertilizers, banding, side-dressing, and precise fertigation; hydroponic systems use nutrient solutions with controlled electrical conductivity (EC) and pH to optimize uptake.

Rootfeeding (in ecology) also refers to organisms that consume roots, including plant-parasitic nematodes (root-knot, cyst nematodes), root-feeding insects (wireworms, root maggots), and some root-feeding fungi. These can impair water and nutrient uptake, reduce vigor, and increase susceptibility to stress. Management practices include crop rotation, resistant varieties, sanitation, soil biologicals, and, where appropriate, chemical controls.