What Are Root Exudates and Why They Matter

Did you know plant roots talk to the soil?

This isn't hyperbole. Plants literally communicate with creatures in the soil.

I know. This sounds made up, but stick with me.

Root exudates are one of the most important concepts you need to understand if you want to grow better vegetables with less work.

If they're deficient in a specific nutrients or minerals, for example, they can request it from the soil.

They do this communication by sending out root exudates into the soil.

What Are Root Exudates?

Root exudates are a mix of compounds like sugars, amino acids, organic acids, enzymes and other sciencey-sounding stuff that plants release (or exude) through their roots.

You don’t need to know about the specific compounds. You just need to understand generally how it works, and then you’ll be able to harness it to grow better plants!

The whole process starts with photosynthesis.

Using the sun’s energy, the plants pull carbon molecules out of the air. This is how plants grow. (Those carbon molecules being pulled out of the air literally become the plants… that blew my mind when I first realized it)

Then the plants release some of this carbon down into their roots. Depending on what minerals and nutrients they require at the time, they will release specific compounds to attract specific types of bacteria and fungi.

But wait… Why would the plants give away these precious compounds when they need them to grow?

Why Do Plants Release Them?

We used to think soil and plants were two separate entities. Soil exists, and plants grow in it. But this couldn't be further from the truth.

First of all, soil isn't even a thing. It's a process.

And plants don't exist passively in this process. They're active participants, directly helping create the very soil that supports them.

Root Exudates and Soil Microbes

The compounds that plants exude into the soil act as invitations. The specific compounds the plant puts down into its roots will attract specific bacteria or fungi that will 'trade' the nutrients and minerals that the plant wants.

It's literally a marketplace where plants and soil creatures trade nutrients and minerals. Another example of nature being cooperative, rather than competitive.

The soil creatures get access to a steady supply of yummy microbe food on tap from the plants. In return, they help plants access water and nutrients they couldn’t reach on their own. Through root exudates, plants are able to radically extend the functional size of their root systems, which means they become stronger, more resilient, grow better and can resist pests and diseases better.

Root Exudates and Soil Building

The soil microbes really like those tasty little root exudates. They want to be close to them.

But the soil is a dangerous place for tiny creatures. They can easily get washed away in the rain.

Because of this worry, they create soil aggregates which literally pull the soil together. This is one of the most important processes that builds good soil.

What does this mean for you, the grower?

Understanding how important root exudates are for the creation of soil, and the betterment of your plants unlocks a whole new type of growing.

Instead of worrying what nutrient or mineral your plants might be lacking, you just focus on building a diverse and resilient network of soil creatures who will make your plants get exactly what they need, when they need it.

This type of growing is easier, better for your plants and over time builds amazing soil that grows even better plants with less work!