April 28, 2025 • 14 mins
In this Monday episode of Talking Trees, we explore the vital processes of osmosis and root function that underpin healthy tree growth and establishment. Understanding how roots interact with their environment is crucial for arborists and anyone managing young or mature trees.
We discuss:
- How osmotic processes drive water uptake and nutrient transport in tree roots
- Research findings on the role of seaweed extract biostimulants in enhancing root development and physiology in woody seedlings
- The influence of soil structure complexity, including the presence of macropores and heterogeneous conditions, on root penetration and growth
- Why both biological treatments and physical soil conditions are key to fostering strong, resilient root systems
- Practical insights for improving tree establishment and long-term vigor through better understanding of root function
Roots do much more than anchor trees—they are dynamic systems adapting to their environment, driving the success of the entire organism.
Background information:
- Comin et al. 2024. Growth, Physiology, and Root Development in Seedlings of Woody Species Treated with a Seaweed Extract.pdf
- Giuliani et al. 2024. Effects of soil structure complexity to root growth of plants with contrasting root architecture.pdf
- TREE BIOLOGY, Tree Warden Learning Guides, Module 2
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Roger (00:02):
Talking Trees with Lily and Jad.
Welcome to Talking Trees, yourdaily journey into the science
behind our green world.
In today's episode, we explorethe factors shaping plant and
tree growth.
Our first study examines theeffects of Ascophyllum nodosum
extract on various tree species,revealing short-term boosts in
(00:23):
growth and root development athigher doses, though without
lasting changes to improvetransplant tolerance.
Next, we dive into research onsoil structure complexity, where
a heterogeneous mix withmacropores supports robust root
growth in peas and barley, butnot in Arabidopsis, highlighting
the nuanced interplay betweenroot architecture and soil
(00:46):
dynamics.
Join us as we unravel theseinsights and discover what truly
nurtures our trees and plants.
Jad (00:57):
Hey everyone and welcome to a deep dive specifically for
you arborists out there.
Lilly (01:01):
That's right.
Jad (01:01):
We're going way past osmosis.
You know, it's like just whatit is in the textbook.
Yeah, we're really going to diginto how it impacts the work
that you do every day.
Lilly (01:11):
Exactly.
Jad (01:11):
From seed germination to root development, and even how
seaweed extract.
Can you know, really get downinto how a tree functions?
Lilly (01:18):
Yeah, it's fascinating stuff.
Jad (01:20):
So get ready, because what we find out here could really
change how you approach takingcare of trees.
So let's start with somethingthat I think every arborist
really cares about seedgermination.
Absolutely so.
We've got this study by Commonand their team and they tested
seaweed extract on differenttree species Right, and what
they found with European beechor Phagos cephatica was really
(01:41):
interesting.
Lilly (01:42):
Yeah, they found a big increase in germination rates
for the beach seeds when theywere treated with the seaweed
extract.
But here's the thing Only theEuropean beach seeds showed this
big increase.
The other species they testeddidn't do the same thing.
Jad (01:58):
So what's the deal with beach seeds?
Is there something about howthey're put together that makes
them really take to that extract.
Lilly (02:04):
Well, it's a great question.
Beech seeds have these largecotyledons, which are basically
the seedling's energy reserves,and the study suggests that the
seaweed extract might be helpingthose seeds access those
reserves faster.
They think it could beimpacting the activity of an
enzyme called alpha amamylase,which breaks down those stored
(02:25):
nutrients.
Jad (02:26):
Now I know that certain plant hormones like gibberellins
, can also increasealpha-amylase activity.
Exactly.
But here's the weird thing theseaweed extract they used it
didn't have any gibberellin, sohow is it having this big effect
on germination?
Lilly (02:40):
That's the puzzle, and it just shows you how much we
still need to learn about howplants and these extracts
interact.
Jad (02:48):
Right.
Lilly (02:49):
There's something unique going on with how that seaweed
extract is interacting withbeach seeds on a cellular level.
Wow, and researchers aredefinitely digging into that.
Jad (02:57):
Yeah, it's like the seaweed extract is doing something
special in those beach seeds.
Lilly (03:00):
Yeah.
Jad (03:01):
Boosting that germination?
Yeah, but it's not using thattypical gibberellin pathway.
Nope, that's wild.
Lilly (03:06):
It's a mystery for sure.
Jad (03:08):
Let's move on to another part of tree care.
That's really critical rootdevelopment, uh-huh.
This is where Kemin's team'sstudy gets really interesting.
Yeah, they looked at how rootarchitecture is different
between different tree species.
Lilly (03:18):
Right.
Jad (03:19):
And you know, as arborists, we're always thinking about
roots.
Lilly (03:22):
Of course.
Jad (03:23):
But this research really takes our understanding to a
whole new level.
Lilly (03:27):
Absolutely, and they found that some species like
common hawthorn or Crotagusmonogena, they have what we call
high specific root length, orSRL.
Jad (03:35):
Right.
Lilly (03:36):
And this basically means their roots are thinner and
longer, so they can explore moresoil.
Jad (03:41):
Okay.
Lilly (03:41):
Even if their root system isn't that massive overall.
Jad (03:44):
Which makes sense.
When you consider how hawthorngrows, right, you know it's a
real early invader.
Lilly (03:49):
Yeah.
Jad (03:49):
Able to establish itself in new areas super quick, and
those long exploratory rootsreally give it an advantage.
Lilly (03:56):
Absolutely.
It's all about that competitiveedge and it just shows how a
tree's root structure is totallytied to its role in the
ecosystem.
Jad (04:04):
Yeah, and then, on the other hand, you've got species
like Phagos sylvotica.
Lilly (04:07):
Uh-huh, our European beach friend again.
Jad (04:09):
Yeah exactly.
Lilly (04:10):
It develops denser roots with a lower SRL.
Jad (04:12):
Right.
Lilly (04:13):
And this strategy seems to work better in shallower
organic soils.
Okay, the kind of environmentbeach usually likes.
Jad (04:19):
So different root strategies for different
environments, exactly.
Lilly (04:21):
It's all about adaptation , root strategies for different
environments.
Jad (04:23):
Exactly, it's all about adaptation, okay, so let's bring
in another study now.
Okay, that adds a really coollayer to what we're talking
about.
Lilly (04:28):
Yeah.
Jad (04:28):
Giuliani and their team did some really interesting
research on how soil structureimpacts root development.
Lilly (04:36):
Yeah, they created these artificial soil environments in
the lab to really isolate theeffects of what we call soil
heterogeneity.
Jad (04:44):
Okay.
Lilly (04:44):
So imagine this they had these cores packed with either
uniform, finely sieved soil,Okay.
Or with clumps of soil.
Jad (04:51):
All right.
Lilly (04:52):
Kind of like what you'd see in a tilled seed bed.
Jad (04:54):
Gotcha, I'm picturing it.
Lilly (04:55):
Yeah.
Jad (04:55):
So did they find that growing in that clumpy,
heterogeneous soil actuallyhelped root development?
Well, I'm really curious.
Lilly (05:01):
Well, it's not so simple for plants like peas and barley,
which have pretty big rootsystems.
They actually saw increasedroot length in that compacted,
heterogeneous soil.
It seems like those biggerroots were able to use those
larger spaces between the soilclumps.
Oh interesting, you know thosemacropores to navigate that
denser soil more efficiently.
Jad (05:21):
So it's like a good thing to have some variation in the
soil structure.
Lilly (05:24):
Exactly.
Jad (05:25):
Especially for those species with the bigger roots.
Lilly (05:27):
Yeah, it gives them more room to move.
Jad (05:28):
Okay.
Lilly (05:29):
But here's where it gets even more interesting.
Jad (05:31):
Okay.
Lilly (05:32):
They also tested a small plant called Arabidopsis Right,
which has these super fine roots, and guess what?
They found the opposite.
Jad (05:40):
Oh, wow.
Lilly (05:41):
Arabidopsis actually had shorter roots in that compacted,
heterogeneous soil.
Jad (05:51):
Huh, why would that be?
Lilly (05:51):
Yeah Could it be that those tiny roots were just
getting lost in those biggerpores.
Yeah, that's a great point andit highlights something really
important for you guys to thinkabout.
Jad (05:56):
What's that?
Lilly (05:56):
The interplay between root size and soil pore
structure Right.
It's not just about havingmacropores, it's about having
the right size macropores forthe roots that are trying to
grow.
Jad (06:06):
Wow, that's a good point.
Lilly (06:07):
Yeah.
Jad (06:08):
So we're seeing that osmosis isn't just about water
moving across a membrane.
Lilly (06:11):
Right.
Jad (06:12):
It's the engine driving how trees take up nutrients, how
their roots develop and how theyadapt to all these different
soil environments.
Lilly (06:18):
All connected.
Jad (06:19):
Yeah, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Exactly this seaweed extractwe've been talking about it
seems like it's doing way morethan just helping those seeds
germinate.
Lilly (06:27):
Oh yeah.
Jad (06:28):
It's affecting how water moves and even how gases are
exchanged inside the plant, andit brings us back to that idea
of osmosis working on all thesedifferent levels.
Lilly (06:39):
Right.
Jad (06:39):
From the cells all the way up to the whole plant.
Lilly (06:41):
It's fascinating.
You know, what really strikesme about all this research is
how connected everything is.
Yeah.
Roger (06:46):
It's fascinating.
Lilly (06:46):
You know, what really strikes me about all this
research is how connectedeverything is.
We've seen how root traits likeSRL are totally linked to a
tree species ecological strategy, and how those strategies are
shaped by their soil environment.
It's like this chain reaction,where one thing impacts another
and it all comes back to howwell that tree can get to and
use water Precisely.
(07:06):
And then we add in the seaweedextract, which can even affect
gene expression and how watermoves within the plant Right.
It really shows just howcomplex these interactions are.
Jad (07:15):
Okay, before we really dig into the seaweed extract, I want
to go back to that study byGiuliani and their team for a
second.
Lilly (07:20):
Okay.
Jad (07:21):
I'm still thinking about that finding with the
Areridopsis roots.
Lilly (07:24):
Yeah.
Jad (07:25):
Where they actually had trouble in that compacted,
heterogeneous soil Right.
It really makes you questionthat idea that more macropores
always means better root growth.
Lilly (07:35):
Absolutely.
It shows that context matters.
Jad (07:37):
Yeah.
Lilly (07:37):
What works for one species might not work for
another, and even within thesame species, the ideal soil
structure can be differentdepending on things like root
size and how compacted the soilis.
Jad (07:48):
Okay, so as arborists, we need to be paying attention to
the specific needs of each treespecies, right, and what the
soil they're growing in is like.
Lilly (07:57):
Exactly, it's about understanding those details.
Jad (07:59):
Yeah.
Lilly (08:00):
If you're working with a species known for having an
aggressive root system, like ourhawthorn example, you probably
don't need to worry as muchabout soil contraction.
Those roots will likely find away, but for a species with more
delicate roots like beech,creating a soil environment with
good aeration is superimportant, especially in
compacted soils.
Jad (08:20):
That makes sense.
So things like soil amendments,mulching and aeration
techniques become even moreimportant when we're dealing
with those sensitive species.
Lilly (08:28):
Absolutely.
It's all about using ourknowledge to create the best
possible underground environmentfor those trees.
Jad (08:35):
I totally agree.
Okay, so let's switch gears abit and talk about this hysteria
.
Seaweed extract.
Lilly (08:41):
All right.
Jad (08:42):
It seems like it's doing more than just boosting
germination.
Common's team found someevidence that it might even be
influencing transpiration rates.
Lilly (08:49):
Right, remember those compounds in the seaweed extract
we talked about earlier, theones acting as osmotic agents.
Well, it seems like they canactually change the water
potential within the plant cells, and that impacts how water
moves through the whole tree.
Jad (09:03):
It's like fine-tuning the tree's internal plumbing.
Lilly (09:06):
That's a great way to put it.
And this fine-tuning can affectother processes too, like
transpiration, nutrient uptakeand even photosynthesis.
Jad (09:14):
Which leads us to another interesting finding from the
study.
The seaweed extracts seem toincrease what they call stomatal
limitations to photosynthesisin Fagus sylvatica.
So basically it looked like itmade it a bit harder for the
beech leaves to take in carbondioxide.
Lilly (09:30):
Uh-huh, which they need for photosynthesis.
Jad (09:32):
Yeah, it seems counterintuitive.
Lilly (09:33):
Right.
Jad (09:34):
You'd think something that helps with germination and water
management would also help withphotosynthesis.
Lilly (09:39):
You would think so.
Jad (09:39):
But, as we've been saying, plants are complex.
Lilly (09:41):
They are.
Jad (09:42):
And even a single change can trigger a whole bunch of
responses.
And some of those might seemcontradictory at first.
Lilly (09:48):
Yeah, it's not always clear cut.
Jad (09:49):
So it's not really a good thing or a bad thing.
Lilly (09:51):
Right, it's just a.
Jad (09:52):
Thing.
Lilly (09:52):
Exactly, and it shows how much we still don't know about
how these extracts interact withdifferent tree species Right On
a physiological level.
Jad (10:00):
Yeah, what might be good for one species might have
unexpected effects on another.
Lilly (10:05):
Absolutely.
Jad (10:06):
So, as arborists, how do we make sense of all this?
Lilly (10:08):
Yeah.
Jad (10:09):
We know seaweed extract can affect water movement and how
the stomata behave.
Right, how can we use thatknowledge in the field?
Lilly (10:16):
Well, one area where this could be really important is
transplant shock.
You know newly transplantedtrees are super vulnerable to
water stress, yeah, and anythingwe can do to help them manage
their water balance during thatcritical time Right Can really
affect whether they survive.
Jad (10:32):
So could applying seaweed extract when we transplant trees
actually help reduce thattransplant shock.
Lilly (10:38):
That's a great question.
Jad (10:39):
Yeah.
Lilly (10:39):
And it's definitely something we need to research
more.
Jad (10:41):
Yeah.
Lilly (10:42):
Given how the extract might help with osmotic
adjustment, it's possible thatit could help trees acclimate to
their new environment moreeffectively.
Jad (10:51):
That's a really interesting thought.
Lilly (10:53):
Yeah.
Jad (10:53):
Imagine if we could use seaweed extract to make
transplants more successful.
Lilly (10:57):
It would be a game changer.
Jad (10:58):
But of course, like you said, we need more research.
We do To be sure it works andfigure out the best way to apply
it.
Lilly (11:03):
Absolutely, but these are the kind of questions we need
to be asking.
Jad (11:07):
Yeah.
Lilly (11:07):
And this research gives us a lot of valuable information
to guide those questions.
Jad (11:11):
Right.
It all comes back tounderstanding those basic
principles of plant biology.
Lilly (11:15):
Exactly.
Jad (11:16):
And that's what helps us develop better and more
effective ways to take care oftrees.
Lilly (11:20):
Couldn't agree more.
Jad (11:22):
We've been looking at how osmosis works in all these
different situations, from seedgermination to root development,
to how trees manage water.
But how does all this connectto the challenges that arborists
are dealing with in the realworld?
Lilly (11:37):
Yeah.
Jad (11:37):
Especially with climate change being such a big issue.
Lilly (11:40):
That's the big question, isn't it?
Jad (11:41):
Yeah.
Lilly (11:42):
As the climate changes, trees and cities are facing more
and more stress.
Jad (11:46):
Right.
Lilly (11:46):
From hotter temperatures, more droughts and extreme
weather.
Jad (11:49):
Yeah.
Lilly (11:50):
All these things can mess with a tree's osmotic balance
and make it harder for them todo well.
Jad (11:55):
So as arborists, we can't just plant trees anymore.
Lilly (11:58):
Right.
Jad (11:58):
We need to be planting trees that can handle these
tougher conditions.
Lilly (12:02):
Absolutely Trees that can survive drought and heat stress
and all the other pressuresthat come with a changing
climate.
Jad (12:09):
Exactly.
We got to choose the righttrees for the right spots, prep
the soil properly and give themthe care they need to stay
resilient.
Lilly (12:17):
It all starts with understanding what trees need
and how they interact with theirenvironment, especially when it
comes to water.
Jad (12:24):
And that's where a good understanding of osmosis is so
important.
Lilly (12:27):
Absolutely.
Jad (12:27):
It gives us the knowledge to make smart choices about
everything From what species toplant, to how to plant them, to
how to water them.
Lilly (12:34):
We can use that knowledge to help trees thrive.
Jad (12:37):
Yeah, even when things get tough.
Okay, as we wrap up this deepdive, I want to leave our
listeners with one finalthought-provoking idea.
Lilly (12:44):
Okay.
Jad (12:45):
We've seen how crucial osmosis is for trees to survive.
Lilly (12:48):
It's essential.
Jad (12:49):
Now imagine if we could use that understanding to create
brand new ways to take care oftrees.
Lilly (12:55):
That's a great point.
Jad (12:56):
What if we could figure out how to manipulate those osmotic
processes, even in small ways?
Right, could we make trees moredrought tolerant?
It's possible.
Could we help them fight offdiseases better?
Lilly (13:07):
Yeah.
Jad (13:07):
Could we find new ways to help them bounce back from
stress?
Lilly (13:09):
There are so many possibilities.
Jad (13:11):
So to all the arborists listening.
Lilly (13:13):
Keep learning.
Jad (13:14):
Keep asking questions, Keep pushing so to all the arborists
listening, keep learning, keepasking questions keep pushing
the limits of what you know.
Yeah, the future of our urbantrees depends on it.
Lilly (13:19):
I agree.
Well said, I think that's aperfect way to wrap things up.
Jad (13:23):
Yeah, thanks so much for joining me on this deep dive
into the world of osmosis andtree care.
Lilly (13:27):
It's been a pleasure.
Jad (13:28):
To all our listeners out there, keep those dendrites
firing.
Lilly (13:31):
Yeah.
Roger (13:39):
There's always more to learn in the amazing world of
trees.
Until next time, happy arboring.
Thank you for joining us ontoday's exploration into the
science of tree and plant growth.
We've uncovered the short-termbenefits of Ascophyllum nodosum
extract on trees, delved intohow complex soil structures can
shape root development andrevisited the fundamentals of
tree biology.
We hope these insights inspireyou to look at nature's details
(14:01):
with fresh eyes.
Until next time, keep nurturingthe green around you.
Talking Trees with Lily and Jad.
Welcome to Talking Trees, yourdaily journey into the science
behind our green world.
In today's episode, we explorethe factors shaping plant and
tree growth.
Our first study examines theeffects of Ascophyllum nodosum
extract on various tree species,revealing short-term boosts in
(00:23):
growth and root development athigher doses, though without
lasting changes to improvetransplant tolerance.
Next, we dive into research onsoil structure complexity, where
a heterogeneous mix withmacropores supports robust root
growth in peas and barley, butnot in Arabidopsis, highlighting
the nuanced interplay betweenroot architecture and soil
(00:46):
dynamics.
Join us as we unravel theseinsights and discover what truly
nurtures our trees and plants.
Jad (00:57):
Hey everyone and welcome to a deep dive specifically for
you arborists out there.
Lilly (01:01):
That's right.
Jad (01:01):
We're going way past osmosis.
You know, it's like just whatit is in the textbook.
Yeah, we're really going to diginto how it impacts the work
that you do every day.
Lilly (01:11):
Exactly.
Jad (01:11):
From seed germination to root development, and even how
seaweed extract.
Can you know, really get downinto how a tree functions?
Lilly (01:18):
Yeah, it's fascinating stuff.
Jad (01:20):
So get ready, because what we find out here could really
change how you approach takingcare of trees.
So let's start with somethingthat I think every arborist
really cares about seedgermination.
Absolutely so.
We've got this study by Commonand their team and they tested
seaweed extract on differenttree species Right, and what
they found with European beechor Phagos cephatica was really
(01:41):
interesting.
Lilly (01:42):
Yeah, they found a big increase in germination rates
for the beach seeds when theywere treated with the seaweed
extract.
But here's the thing Only theEuropean beach seeds showed this
big increase.
The other species they testeddidn't do the same thing.
Jad (01:58):
So what's the deal with beach seeds?
Is there something about howthey're put together that makes
them really take to that extract.
Lilly (02:04):
Well, it's a great question.
Beech seeds have these largecotyledons, which are basically
the seedling's energy reserves,and the study suggests that the
seaweed extract might be helpingthose seeds access those
reserves faster.
They think it could beimpacting the activity of an
enzyme called alpha amamylase,which breaks down those stored
(02:25):
nutrients.
Jad (02:26):
Now I know that certain plant hormones like gibberellins
, can also increasealpha-amylase activity.
Exactly.
But here's the weird thing theseaweed extract they used it
didn't have any gibberellin, sohow is it having this big effect
on germination?
Lilly (02:40):
That's the puzzle, and it just shows you how much we
still need to learn about howplants and these extracts
interact.
Jad (02:48):
Right.
Lilly (02:49):
There's something unique going on with how that seaweed
extract is interacting withbeach seeds on a cellular level.
Wow, and researchers aredefinitely digging into that.
Jad (02:57):
Yeah, it's like the seaweed extract is doing something
special in those beach seeds.
Lilly (03:00):
Yeah.
Jad (03:01):
Boosting that germination?
Yeah, but it's not using thattypical gibberellin pathway.
Nope, that's wild.
Lilly (03:06):
It's a mystery for sure.
Jad (03:08):
Let's move on to another part of tree care.
That's really critical rootdevelopment, uh-huh.
This is where Kemin's team'sstudy gets really interesting.
Yeah, they looked at how rootarchitecture is different
between different tree species.
Lilly (03:18):
Right.
Jad (03:19):
And you know, as arborists, we're always thinking about
roots.
Lilly (03:22):
Of course.
Jad (03:23):
But this research really takes our understanding to a
whole new level.
Lilly (03:27):
Absolutely, and they found that some species like
common hawthorn or Crotagusmonogena, they have what we call
high specific root length, orSRL.
Jad (03:35):
Right.
Lilly (03:36):
And this basically means their roots are thinner and
longer, so they can explore moresoil.
Jad (03:41):
Okay.
Lilly (03:41):
Even if their root system isn't that massive overall.
Jad (03:44):
Which makes sense.
When you consider how hawthorngrows, right, you know it's a
real early invader.
Lilly (03:49):
Yeah.
Jad (03:49):
Able to establish itself in new areas super quick, and
those long exploratory rootsreally give it an advantage.
Lilly (03:56):
Absolutely.
It's all about that competitiveedge and it just shows how a
tree's root structure is totallytied to its role in the
ecosystem.
Jad (04:04):
Yeah, and then, on the other hand, you've got species
like Phagos sylvotica.
Lilly (04:07):
Uh-huh, our European beach friend again.
Jad (04:09):
Yeah exactly.
Lilly (04:10):
It develops denser roots with a lower SRL.
Jad (04:12):
Right.
Lilly (04:13):
And this strategy seems to work better in shallower
organic soils.
Okay, the kind of environmentbeach usually likes.
Jad (04:19):
So different root strategies for different
environments, exactly.
Lilly (04:21):
It's all about adaptation , root strategies for different
environments.
Jad (04:23):
Exactly, it's all about adaptation, okay, so let's bring
in another study now.
Okay, that adds a really coollayer to what we're talking
about.
Lilly (04:28):
Yeah.
Jad (04:28):
Giuliani and their team did some really interesting
research on how soil structureimpacts root development.
Lilly (04:36):
Yeah, they created these artificial soil environments in
the lab to really isolate theeffects of what we call soil
heterogeneity.
Jad (04:44):
Okay.
Lilly (04:44):
So imagine this they had these cores packed with either
uniform, finely sieved soil,Okay.
Or with clumps of soil.
Jad (04:51):
All right.
Lilly (04:52):
Kind of like what you'd see in a tilled seed bed.
Jad (04:54):
Gotcha, I'm picturing it.
Lilly (04:55):
Yeah.
Jad (04:55):
So did they find that growing in that clumpy,
heterogeneous soil actuallyhelped root development?
Well, I'm really curious.
Lilly (05:01):
Well, it's not so simple for plants like peas and barley,
which have pretty big rootsystems.
They actually saw increasedroot length in that compacted,
heterogeneous soil.
It seems like those biggerroots were able to use those
larger spaces between the soilclumps.
Oh interesting, you know thosemacropores to navigate that
denser soil more efficiently.
Jad (05:21):
So it's like a good thing to have some variation in the
soil structure.
Lilly (05:24):
Exactly.
Jad (05:25):
Especially for those species with the bigger roots.
Lilly (05:27):
Yeah, it gives them more room to move.
Jad (05:28):
Okay.
Lilly (05:29):
But here's where it gets even more interesting.
Jad (05:31):
Okay.
Lilly (05:32):
They also tested a small plant called Arabidopsis Right,
which has these super fine roots, and guess what?
They found the opposite.
Jad (05:40):
Oh, wow.
Lilly (05:41):
Arabidopsis actually had shorter roots in that compacted,
heterogeneous soil.
Jad (05:51):
Huh, why would that be?
Lilly (05:51):
Yeah Could it be that those tiny roots were just
getting lost in those biggerpores.
Yeah, that's a great point andit highlights something really
important for you guys to thinkabout.
Jad (05:56):
What's that?
Lilly (05:56):
The interplay between root size and soil pore
structure Right.
It's not just about havingmacropores, it's about having
the right size macropores forthe roots that are trying to
grow.
Jad (06:06):
Wow, that's a good point.
Lilly (06:07):
Yeah.
Jad (06:08):
So we're seeing that osmosis isn't just about water
moving across a membrane.
Lilly (06:11):
Right.
Jad (06:12):
It's the engine driving how trees take up nutrients, how
their roots develop and how theyadapt to all these different
soil environments.
Lilly (06:18):
All connected.
Jad (06:19):
Yeah, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Exactly this seaweed extractwe've been talking about it
seems like it's doing way morethan just helping those seeds
germinate.
Lilly (06:27):
Oh yeah.
Jad (06:28):
It's affecting how water moves and even how gases are
exchanged inside the plant, andit brings us back to that idea
of osmosis working on all thesedifferent levels.
Lilly (06:39):
Right.
Jad (06:39):
From the cells all the way up to the whole plant.
Lilly (06:41):
It's fascinating.
You know, what really strikesme about all this research is
how connected everything is.
Yeah.
Roger (06:46):
It's fascinating.
Lilly (06:46):
You know, what really strikes me about all this
research is how connectedeverything is.
We've seen how root traits likeSRL are totally linked to a
tree species ecological strategy, and how those strategies are
shaped by their soil environment.
It's like this chain reaction,where one thing impacts another
and it all comes back to howwell that tree can get to and
use water Precisely.
(07:06):
And then we add in the seaweedextract, which can even affect
gene expression and how watermoves within the plant Right.
It really shows just howcomplex these interactions are.
Jad (07:15):
Okay, before we really dig into the seaweed extract, I want
to go back to that study byGiuliani and their team for a
second.
Lilly (07:20):
Okay.
Jad (07:21):
I'm still thinking about that finding with the
Areridopsis roots.
Lilly (07:24):
Yeah.
Jad (07:25):
Where they actually had trouble in that compacted,
heterogeneous soil Right.
It really makes you questionthat idea that more macropores
always means better root growth.
Lilly (07:35):
Absolutely.
It shows that context matters.
Jad (07:37):
Yeah.
Lilly (07:37):
What works for one species might not work for
another, and even within thesame species, the ideal soil
structure can be differentdepending on things like root
size and how compacted the soilis.
Jad (07:48):
Okay, so as arborists, we need to be paying attention to
the specific needs of each treespecies, right, and what the
soil they're growing in is like.
Lilly (07:57):
Exactly, it's about understanding those details.
Jad (07:59):
Yeah.
Lilly (08:00):
If you're working with a species known for having an
aggressive root system, like ourhawthorn example, you probably
don't need to worry as muchabout soil contraction.
Those roots will likely find away, but for a species with more
delicate roots like beech,creating a soil environment with
good aeration is superimportant, especially in
compacted soils.
Jad (08:20):
That makes sense.
So things like soil amendments,mulching and aeration
techniques become even moreimportant when we're dealing
with those sensitive species.
Lilly (08:28):
Absolutely.
It's all about using ourknowledge to create the best
possible underground environmentfor those trees.
Jad (08:35):
I totally agree.
Okay, so let's switch gears abit and talk about this hysteria
.
Seaweed extract.
Lilly (08:41):
All right.
Jad (08:42):
It seems like it's doing more than just boosting
germination.
Common's team found someevidence that it might even be
influencing transpiration rates.
Lilly (08:49):
Right, remember those compounds in the seaweed extract
we talked about earlier, theones acting as osmotic agents.
Well, it seems like they canactually change the water
potential within the plant cells, and that impacts how water
moves through the whole tree.
Jad (09:03):
It's like fine-tuning the tree's internal plumbing.
Lilly (09:06):
That's a great way to put it.
And this fine-tuning can affectother processes too, like
transpiration, nutrient uptakeand even photosynthesis.
Jad (09:14):
Which leads us to another interesting finding from the
study.
The seaweed extracts seem toincrease what they call stomatal
limitations to photosynthesisin Fagus sylvatica.
So basically it looked like itmade it a bit harder for the
beech leaves to take in carbondioxide.
Lilly (09:30):
Uh-huh, which they need for photosynthesis.
Jad (09:32):
Yeah, it seems counterintuitive.
Lilly (09:33):
Right.
Jad (09:34):
You'd think something that helps with germination and water
management would also help withphotosynthesis.
Lilly (09:39):
You would think so.
Jad (09:39):
But, as we've been saying, plants are complex.
Lilly (09:41):
They are.
Jad (09:42):
And even a single change can trigger a whole bunch of
responses.
And some of those might seemcontradictory at first.
Lilly (09:48):
Yeah, it's not always clear cut.
Jad (09:49):
So it's not really a good thing or a bad thing.
Lilly (09:51):
Right, it's just a.
Jad (09:52):
Thing.
Lilly (09:52):
Exactly, and it shows how much we still don't know about
how these extracts interact withdifferent tree species Right On
a physiological level.
Jad (10:00):
Yeah, what might be good for one species might have
unexpected effects on another.
Lilly (10:05):
Absolutely.
Jad (10:06):
So, as arborists, how do we make sense of all this?
Lilly (10:08):
Yeah.
Jad (10:09):
We know seaweed extract can affect water movement and how
the stomata behave.
Right, how can we use thatknowledge in the field?
Lilly (10:16):
Well, one area where this could be really important is
transplant shock.
You know newly transplantedtrees are super vulnerable to
water stress, yeah, and anythingwe can do to help them manage
their water balance during thatcritical time Right Can really
affect whether they survive.
Jad (10:32):
So could applying seaweed extract when we transplant trees
actually help reduce thattransplant shock.
Lilly (10:38):
That's a great question.
Jad (10:39):
Yeah.
Lilly (10:39):
And it's definitely something we need to research
more.
Jad (10:41):
Yeah.
Lilly (10:42):
Given how the extract might help with osmotic
adjustment, it's possible thatit could help trees acclimate to
their new environment moreeffectively.
Jad (10:51):
That's a really interesting thought.
Lilly (10:53):
Yeah.
Jad (10:53):
Imagine if we could use seaweed extract to make
transplants more successful.
Lilly (10:57):
It would be a game changer.
Jad (10:58):
But of course, like you said, we need more research.
We do To be sure it works andfigure out the best way to apply
it.
Lilly (11:03):
Absolutely, but these are the kind of questions we need
to be asking.
Jad (11:07):
Yeah.
Lilly (11:07):
And this research gives us a lot of valuable information
to guide those questions.
Jad (11:11):
Right.
It all comes back tounderstanding those basic
principles of plant biology.
Lilly (11:15):
Exactly.
Jad (11:16):
And that's what helps us develop better and more
effective ways to take care oftrees.
Lilly (11:20):
Couldn't agree more.
Jad (11:22):
We've been looking at how osmosis works in all these
different situations, from seedgermination to root development,
to how trees manage water.
But how does all this connectto the challenges that arborists
are dealing with in the realworld?
Lilly (11:37):
Yeah.
Jad (11:37):
Especially with climate change being such a big issue.
Lilly (11:40):
That's the big question, isn't it?
Jad (11:41):
Yeah.
Lilly (11:42):
As the climate changes, trees and cities are facing more
and more stress.
Jad (11:46):
Right.
Lilly (11:46):
From hotter temperatures, more droughts and extreme
weather.
Jad (11:49):
Yeah.
Lilly (11:50):
All these things can mess with a tree's osmotic balance
and make it harder for them todo well.
Jad (11:55):
So as arborists, we can't just plant trees anymore.
Lilly (11:58):
Right.
Jad (11:58):
We need to be planting trees that can handle these
tougher conditions.
Lilly (12:02):
Absolutely Trees that can survive drought and heat stress
and all the other pressuresthat come with a changing
climate.
Jad (12:09):
Exactly.
We got to choose the righttrees for the right spots, prep
the soil properly and give themthe care they need to stay
resilient.
Lilly (12:17):
It all starts with understanding what trees need
and how they interact with theirenvironment, especially when it
comes to water.
Jad (12:24):
And that's where a good understanding of osmosis is so
important.
Lilly (12:27):
Absolutely.
Jad (12:27):
It gives us the knowledge to make smart choices about
everything From what species toplant, to how to plant them, to
how to water them.
Lilly (12:34):
We can use that knowledge to help trees thrive.
Jad (12:37):
Yeah, even when things get tough.
Okay, as we wrap up this deepdive, I want to leave our
listeners with one finalthought-provoking idea.
Lilly (12:44):
Okay.
Jad (12:45):
We've seen how crucial osmosis is for trees to survive.
Lilly (12:48):
It's essential.
Jad (12:49):
Now imagine if we could use that understanding to create
brand new ways to take care oftrees.
Lilly (12:55):
That's a great point.
Jad (12:56):
What if we could figure out how to manipulate those osmotic
processes, even in small ways?
Right, could we make trees moredrought tolerant?
It's possible.
Could we help them fight offdiseases better?
Lilly (13:07):
Yeah.
Jad (13:07):
Could we find new ways to help them bounce back from
stress?
Lilly (13:09):
There are so many possibilities.
Jad (13:11):
So to all the arborists listening.
Lilly (13:13):
Keep learning.
Jad (13:14):
Keep asking questions, Keep pushing so to all the arborists
listening, keep learning, keepasking questions keep pushing
the limits of what you know.
Yeah, the future of our urbantrees depends on it.
Lilly (13:19):
I agree.
Well said, I think that's aperfect way to wrap things up.
Jad (13:23):
Yeah, thanks so much for joining me on this deep dive
into the world of osmosis andtree care.
Lilly (13:27):
It's been a pleasure.
Jad (13:28):
To all our listeners out there, keep those dendrites
firing.
Lilly (13:31):
Yeah.
Roger (13:39):
There's always more to learn in the amazing world of
trees.
Until next time, happy arboring.
Thank you for joining us ontoday's exploration into the
science of tree and plant growth.
We've uncovered the short-termbenefits of Ascophyllum nodosum
extract on trees, delved intohow complex soil structures can
shape root development andrevisited the fundamentals of
tree biology.
We hope these insights inspireyou to look at nature's details
(14:01):
with fresh eyes.
Until next time, keep nurturingthe green around you.
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