GETTING TO THE ROOT OF IT ALL
If roots require more oxygen than what they can get
through replenishment, their function begins to slow,
as does the uptake of water and nutrients.
Eventually, a lack of oxygen can cause root-cell death and
increase the risk of root diseases such as pythium. The more
restricted the root zone volume, the greater the replenishment rate of oxygen must be. In hydroponics, this can be
achieved in a number of ways. Some grow mediums contain
larger pores than others and allow oxygen to diffuse faster
down into the root zone. Second, nutrient solutions carry
dissolved oxygen, so increasing the dissolved oxygen content
of the solution via aeration and making sure the root zone
is not oversaturated with water will ensure more oxygen is
available for root uptake.
Root Competition
In many hydroponic systems, plants can be grown
in separate containers or slabs of substrate, yet some
plants are often grown side-by-side to allow the roots of
both plants to intermingle. Some studies have found
that plants produce more root mass when sharing
space with a neighbor as compared to plants growing
alone. It is th