Plant Roots and Water Science Project Idea

How the Root System of a Plant is Fitted to Find Water

We all know that plants obtain water from the soil by means of their roots.Examine the roots of a plant and notice how they are fitted to reach many parts of the soil.There is a very close relationship between the development of the root system and the water supply.

Plant Root System Science Project Experiment

Across the middle of a cigar box fasten an incomplete partition, not quite reaching the bottom of the box.In each compartment of the box, plant soaked pea seeds in moistened sawdust.Keep both sides watered until the seedlings have begun to form well developed root systems.Then cease to water one side but continue to water the other side generously.At the end of two weeks carefully remove the sawdust and note the condition and arrangement of the, roots.Conclusion?

In trees growing under normal conditions the roots extend out to a point directly under the outer ends of the branches.Why?Alfalfa plants growing in dry regions may have roots extending to a depth of 10 or 12 feet.Why?The mesquite plant living in the dry regions of the south western part of the United States and Mexico, although only a low shrub, may send its roots to a depth of 60 feet in search of water.Why does a lawn which has been sprinkled for a short time every day look worse after being neglected for a few dry weeks in August than the neighboring lawn which has not received the same care?Give one reason why weeds in a garden are harmful.