As a botanist and extension agent, I think quite a bit about how plants grow. Understanding the method to their madness helps to explain and diagnose the various concerns of citizens that come our way ...

A new study, published today in Science, indicates that the potential for soils to soak up atmospheric carbon dioxide is strongly affected by how long roots live. Large differences in root replacement ...

Another week, another quick lesson on the different parts of a plant. This week, we’re digging to the part that really grips the soil and helps feed the plant. Carrots, parsnips, turnips, radishes and ...

You walk through a field of wheat, ryegrass, or clover and notice the sway of stems and leaves. What you cannot see is where most of the action happens. Beneath the soil surface, roots spread, compete ...

A plant’s root system has a profound effect on its overall health. Look at the roots of a sick, struggling plant, and you will often see a sick, struggling root system. While plants may tolerate ...