New research shows that about 20% of plants have a second pair of roots that grow deep underground. (Image credit: EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Images)
Our understanding of the roots of plants and trees may be too narrow. Recent research shows that many plants have a hidden second set of roots that extend much deeper into the soil.
This second layer of roots goes more than 3 feet (1 meter) deep and allows the plant to access deeper nutrients in the soil, according to new findings published June 17 in the journal Nature Communications.
The study's findings suggest that plants can move and store carbon deeper in the ground than previously thought, which could help scientists develop more effective methods of long-term underground carbon storage to help mitigate climate change.
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Sourse: www.livescience.com
