Cochise County Master Gardeners

Whenever we are studying an important crop plant, it is a natural tendency to focus on the above ground portions of the plant, because that's what we see. However, an equally important part of the plant is the root system, which is hidden from view and totally immersed in the soil. The soil provides all of the mineral nutrition, water, and mechanical support to the plant through the root system, and therefore, is a vital link to the health and productivity of any plant. The soil is a focal point of any gardening/farming operation.