Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

What type of root system is known for concentrating nutrient uptake in surface soil?

1. Taproot

2. Fibrous

3. Adventitious

4. Radical

The correct answer is: Fibrous

The fibrous root system is characterized by a network of many thin roots that spread out close to the surface of the soil. This structure allows for a larger surface area to absorb moisture and nutrients from the top layer of soil, making it particularly effective in capturing nutrients that are often found in the upper soil horizons where organic matter is more concentrated. In contrast, taproot systems typically have a single, thick main root that grows deeper into the soil, focusing nutrient uptake on lower soil layers. Adventitious roots can emerge from various parts of a plant and may not necessarily be concentrated in the surface soil. Radical roots, which are more often associated with the early stages of plants or seedlings, usually do not represent a specific root system type. The efficiency of fibrous root systems in accessing surface soil nutrients is vital for many plants, especially those that rely on quick nutrient uptake and are often found in areas where nutrient availability is highest at the surface.