Citation
Depth of roots in soil
TL;DR
Mesquite taproots can reach 53 meters depth
This research documented the extreme depths that taproots can reach, including the famous mesquite tree taproot that extended 53 meters (175 feet) to reach a permanent water table - deeper than a 15-story building.
The study established that root depth is a survival strategy encoded over millions of years, demonstrating how plants invest in infrastructure that may not be 'needed' most of the time but determines survival during extreme conditions.
Key Findings from Phillips (1963)
- Mesquite taproots can reach 53 meters depth
- Root depth varies dramatically by species and environment
- Deep roots provide access to stable water tables during drought
- Taproot depth often exceeds visible plant height in early years