The root system of the longan tree plays a crucial role in its overall growth and development. Beyond simply anchoring the plant in the soil and absorbing water and essential minerals, roots also take in small amounts of organic matter and store some nutrients. Moreover, they are involved in the synthesis of important organic compounds, such as converting inorganic nitrogen into amides, amino acids, and proteins. Roots can transform phosphorus into nucleoproteins and fats, and they combine carbon dioxide and carbonate from the soil with sugars transported down from the leaves to produce various organic acids. These substances are then transported throughout the plant. In addition, roots participate in the photosynthesis process by synthesizing certain physiologically active substances, like hormones (such as cytokinin and gibberellin), which regulate shoot growth.
During their metabolic activities, roots secrete acidic compounds that help dissolve soil nutrients, making them more available for absorption. Root exudates also attract beneficial microorganisms to the root zone, facilitating nutrient cycling through microbial activity. This interaction helps convert complex organic compounds into forms that the roots can easily absorb.
The longan root system typically consists of three main components: the main root, lateral roots, and fibrous roots. The main root develops from the radicle of the seed, while lateral roots grow from the main root and are further divided into smaller fibrous roots. Grafted or high-pressure propagated longan plants often lack a distinct main root. The main and lateral roots form the structural backbone of the root system, while fibrous roots are responsible for expanding the root’s reach and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Over time, these growing roots darken and transition into secondary roots with more developed structures. The primary function of the root system is to absorb water and minerals and convert them into usable organic compounds. These roots are highly metabolically active, especially during peak growth periods, when they can make up over 90% of the total root mass.
Longan trees have a strong and deep-rooted system, allowing them to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers. Vertical roots grow perpendicular to the soil surface, providing stability and drawing from deeper moisture sources, while horizontal roots spread out laterally, often extending 1–2 times the width of the canopy. Observations from the 1960s show that in red soil, the vertical roots of 28-year-old Wulongling longan trees can extend over 3 meters deep, with dense lateral roots found between 5–50 cm. In areas where the soil is shallow or has a hard gravel layer, the root depth is significantly reduced. On average, 80% of longan roots are found within 0–40 cm of the soil surface, with the highest concentration between 10–30 cm. In well-drained soils, absorption roots are mainly distributed between 10–60 cm, while in areas with high groundwater levels, roots tend to be shallower.
To maintain healthy root development, longan cultivation requires careful soil management. Deep digging, proper fertilization, and maintaining a cultivated layer are essential. Techniques such as mulching, grass cover, and planting green manure can improve soil structure and nutrient availability. During winter, plowing green manure directly into the soil helps enrich the root zone, while applying coarse organic and inorganic fertilizers at the base and fine fertilizers around the tree supports long-term growth. Proper root management ensures the longan tree remains vigorous and productive.
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