Root Zone Temperature

What is the Root Zone?

The root zone is the area surrounding a plant’s roots, where the plant intakes its water and nutrients from. Most often, the root zone is soil or whatever substrate the roots are growing in. In hydroponically grown plants, the root zone is the water.

Root Zone Temperature

The temperature of the root zone, whether it be soil, substrate, or water, has a big impact on the plant. The root zone temperature affects plants’ growth, yield, and overall health.

Root zone temperature can impact the plants’ production of hormones, including growth hormones. It can also change how much water/nutrients the plant takes in through its roots.

Studies show that both low and high root zone temperatures can lead to physical changes in the root structure, resulting in reduced uptake and an overall reduction in physiological functions which negatively impact plant growth.

At the optimal root zone temperature, plants should have increased water and nutrient uptake, respiration, and photosynthesis rates.

How to Control It

The best way of controlling root zone temperature is through a heating system that targets the root zone, such as underbench heating or floor heating.

This method works by running heated water through pipes just below the root zone.

Concentrating your climate control efforts on the root zone can save a lot of energy. Rather than controlling the ambient/air temperature, growers can focus on heating the root zone to create the best growing environment for their plants.

How to Measure It

To measure your root zone temperature, you can install thermocouple sensors a few inches below the substrate. There are many types of sensors on the market, including wired and wireless.

TC Control Group can help design and install a system to measure and adjust your root zone temperature to create the perfect growing environment for your plants. Our technicians and business experts have extensive experience within the growing industry, and can assist in creating the perfect solution for your operation’s needs. Contact us to learn more and get started.