He who controls the roots, controls cultivation! Environmental control techniques to maximize growth

Hello. I am Takahiro Ogawa, an agricultural management supporter. In this article, I will focus on the "roots," which are extremely important for plant growth, and explain specific management methods.
It is no exaggeration to say that "he who controls the roots, controls cultivation." By firmly grasping the condition of the roots and appropriately controlling the environment, you can lead to increased yields and improved quality. Please read to the end and use this for your daily cultivation.

1. Roots are the command center in the soil! The role of roots and the importance of observation

For plants, leaves are the place for photosynthesis, and roots are the important organs that support the plant and absorb water and fertilizer.

Are there farmers who think, "I look at the condition of the leaves every day, but I rarely look at the roots"?
However, roots change daily in the soil, and their condition greatly affects the growth of the parts above ground.

• The quantity and quality of roots decline before yields decrease

• The condition of the roots is the answer key for the growth of the parts above ground

To catch changes in the roots as quickly as possible, make sure to observe the roots at least once a week. In the case of soil cultivation, if you bury an insect breeding case or similar at the base of the plant, it becomes easier to observe the roots.

2. How to distinguish between good roots and bad roots
When observing roots, what should you pay attention to?

2-1. Root distribution

First, check where the roots are distributed in the medium (soil).

• Ideal roots: Distributed throughout the entire medium

• Upper roots: A state where roots are concentrated in the shallow parts of the medium.

  • Cause: Excessive moisture in the medium, or watering that is "too small and too frequent"

• Lower roots: A state where roots are concentrated in the deep parts of the medium.

  • Cause: Dryness of the medium, or watering that is "too large and too infrequent"

2-2. Root color
Root color is also an important indicator.

• Healthy roots: White, well-branched, and with many root hairs

• Damaged roots, roots that have reached the end of their lifespan: A dark orange color like amber

When the medium becomes too wet, the roots suffer from oxygen deficiency and will turn amber within a few days. Also, if photosynthesis is insufficient, new roots will not develop, and you will not see white roots, so caution is required.

2-3. Quantity of fine roots
You should also check the condition of the root hairs that absorb nutrients and water. Root hairs develop at the tips of the roots and are so fine that they cannot be confirmed with the naked eye. They play a role in increasing the surface area of the roots and enhancing the ability to absorb nutrients and water.

3. Cultivation tips deciphered from root conditions
By observing the condition of the roots, you can identify problems in the cultivation environment.

3-1. Reviewing irrigation
There is a close relationship between root distribution and irrigation methods.

• When there are many upper roots: Review the amount and timing of irrigation. Possible measures include reducing nighttime irrigation or increasing the amount of water per irrigation session.

• When there are many lower roots: Measures such as increasing the irrigation volume or increasing the frequency of irrigation are necessary.

3-2. Controlling photosynthesis levels
If the roots have poor color, there is a possibility that the amount of photosynthesis is insufficient.

• Beware of excessive photosynthesis in spring: In spring, while solar radiation is high, temperatures are low, leading to an excess of sugars produced by photosynthesis. As a result, a state called "rampage" can occur, where only leaves and stems grow, making it difficult for flowers and fruit to set.

  • Countermeasures:

    • Raise the temperature inside the greenhouse

    • Provide shading

    • Perform leaf pruning

3-3. Timing and amount of leaf pruning
Leaf pruning is performed to improve airflow and promote photosynthesis, but doing too much has a negative impact on the roots.

• Excessive leaf pruning reduces roots: Sudden leaf pruning leads to a decrease in photosynthesis, which in turn leads to a decline in root quantity and quality.

• Plan your leaf pruning: When performing leaf pruning, decide on the amount per session and carry it out systematically.

4. [Case Study] Increasing yields through root observation!
In cucumber cultivation, by regularly observing the roots, you can predict the occurrence of non-fruit setting (fruit drop) and respond in advance. Also, since root mass decreases before a dip in yield and increases before a peak, it is also useful for yield forecasting.

5. Summary

In this article, we explained how to observe roots and provided tips for cultivation based on the condition of the roots.

• Roots are a vital organ that determines plant growth.

• By observing the color, quantity, and distribution of the roots, you can identify issues in the cultivation environment.

• It is important to appropriately manage irrigation, photosynthesis levels, and leaf pruning according to the condition of the roots.

Please use this information to make root observation a habit and aim for increased yields and improved quality!

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