Differences Between Taproot and Fibrous Root System | Plant Morphology

1. Appearance

• Taproots : There is a central primary dominant taproot (also known as the radicle) that grows downward; other hairy roots (known as lateral roots) branch out from it sideways.
• Fibrous Roots : The roots branch out from the stem, and there is no central root. They form a cluster of roots of more or less the same size.

2. On germination

• Taproots : Upon the germination of a seed, the first root that emerges from it is called the radicle or primary root. This radicle then forms the taproot.
• Fibrous Roots : Upon the germination of a seed, the first root, i.e., the radicle, does not last long and is replaced by adventitious roots.

3. Depth of penetration

• Taproots : They grow deep underground.
• Fibrous Roots : They do not grow so deep underground; they grow close to the surface of the ground.

4. Conduction of water

• Taproots : Since they penetrate deep into the soil, they can reach the underground reserves of water. They are, thus, more efficient in transporting water to the plant in times of drought, (when water is not available on the surface).
• Fibrous Roots : Because they grow close to the surface, and do not penetrate deeply into the soil, the plant is more vulnerable in times of drought. However, they can transport nutrients from fertilizers more efficiently.

5. Prevention of soil erosion

• Taproots : They are not so effective in the prevention of soil erosion as compared to fibrous roots.
• Fibrous Roots : They are very effective in the prevention of soil erosion. The dense network of these fibrous roots prevents the top layer of soil from getting washed away by water and blown away by the wind. To prevent soil erosion, plants with fibrous roots are purposefully planted.

6. Anchorage

• Taproots : The taproot enables them to anchor very well into the soil. This makes it very difficult to uproot the plant.
• Fibrous Roots : They do not anchor very well to the soil, and it is comparatively easier to uproot the plant.

7. Found in

• Taproots : They are generally found in dicotyledonous plants.
• Fibrous Roots : They are generally found in monocotyledonous plants.

8. Examples

• Taproots : Conifers, carrots, dandelions, poison ivy, annual flowers, radishes, and beetroot have taproots.
• Fibrous Roots : Onions, tomatoes, lettuce grasses, lilies, palms, corn, beans, peas, sweet potatoes, rice, and wheat have fibrous roots.

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