Roots play a crucial role in providing nutrients and water from soil to plant which is required for its photosynthesis. Different plants have different types of root systems that help them grow. The two main types of root systems are taproot system and fibrous root system. Here we will learn the difference between the taproot and fibrous root along with unique characteristics of each of them.

What is Taproot
Characteristics of Taproot
What are Fibrous Roots
Characteristics of Fibrous Root
Difference between Taproot and Fibrous Root

What is Taproot

A taproot is a plant’s thick, central and dominant root that grows vertically downwards. Many plant species have a taproot system such as radish, carrot and endolines. These types of roots enlarge to store carbohydrates and nutrients. It is the primary structure that grows from the radicle of a seed after germination. The smaller alongside roots called secondary roots, tertiary roots and rootlets are the other small roots attached to the main taproot. These secondary parallel roots are comparatively smaller than the taproot. Some taproots such as carrots and radish are called root vegetables.

Characteristics of Taproot

Taproot is conical in shape with a wide base at the top which slowly narrows towards the bottom that penetrates deep into the soil.
It has parallel secondary roots that grow smaller horizontal roots too small in size than the primary root.
It emerges from the radicle of the seed and grows into a large size that is the store house of carbohydrates and nutrients.
The leaf of a plant with a taproot has veins that appear like a net. This is called reticulate venation.

What are Fibrous Roots

The fibrous roots have multiple root branches with almost the same thickness and size. They start directly from the stem with many horizontally growing branches of similar sizes that do not go much deeper into the soil unlike taproots. These roots are mostly found in flowering plants and ferns such as rosemary, grass and lilies.

Characteristics of Fibrous Root

Fibrous roots have no central root and grow fairly near to the ground that prevents soil erosion.
These are small roots that branch out of the stem with a web-like bunch and complex structure.
Thin in shape with a smaller diameter, these roots are busy in appearance.
The leaf of a plant with fibrous roots has veins that appear parallel. Such leaf venation is called parallel venation.

Difference between Taproot and Fibrous Root

Taproot	Fibrous Root
Taproot comprises a single large root with smaller secondary roots.	Fibrous root doesn’t have a single large root. Has thin cluster roots that are almost equal in size with each other.
Taproot penetrates deep into the soil to absorb nutrients, water and minerals from it.	Fibrous roots are shallow and grow near the ground. They absorb water from the top layer of the soil.
This root develops from the radicle of germinating seed.	These roots develop from the base of the stem.
Taproot is less effective in preventing soil erosion.	Highly effective in preventing soil erosion.
The taproot are prone to rots in soggy soil	Well suited for water logged and moist soil
Plants with taproots have leaves with reticulate(net-like) venation.	Plants with fibrous roots have leaves with parallel venation.
Examples: Mustard, turnip, carrot, radish and oak tree.	Examples: rice, wheat, grass, coconut and palm.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Difference between Taproot and Fibrous Root

1. Is onion a taproot?

No, onion is not a taproot and it has a fibrous root tap. A taproot is a single primary large root that goes deeper into the soil and an onion has many thread-like clusters roots branching out of the stem.