ABSORPTION OF WATER THROUGH SUBERIZED ROOTS OF TREES

Abstract

The rate of water absorption through suberized roots of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) was measured by attaching potometers to roots of small trees growing in the open. The roots used varied in diam. from 3.2 to 17 mm. and were covered with thick layers of cork. Measurable absorption occurred through all roots studied. Absorption of water from moist soil through suberized roots also occurred. Comparison of rates of water movement through segments of pine and dogwood roots indicate that dogwood roots are much more permeable to water than pine roots. Absorption of water through suberized roots may be of considerable importance, especially in evergreens, at times when the soil is too cold or too dry for root elongation to occur and few or no unsuberized root tips exist.