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Fine root
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<p>A fine root is most commonly defined as a plant <a href="/facts/Root/x2U60Gdm">root</a> that is two millimeters or less in diameter. Fine roots may function in acquisition of soil resources (eg. nutrients, water) and/or resource transport, making them functionally most analogous to the <a href="/facts/Leaf/1m6wCNTg">leaves</a> and <a href="/facts/Twig/w7tnrzU7">twigs</a> in a plant's <a href="/facts/Shoot_(botany)/ML2z0pru">shoot system</a>. Fine-root traits are variable between species and responsive to environmental conditions. Consequently, fine roots are studied to characterize the resource acquisition strategies and competitive ability of plant species. Categories of fine roots have been developed based on root diameter, position in a root system's branching hierarchy, and primary function. Fine roots are often associated with <a href="/facts/Symbiosis/MrBArRGa">symbiotic</a> fungi and play a role in many ecosystem processes like nutrient cycles and soil reinforcement. </p>