Process
During hot, dry periods, the surface soil dries out so much that the lateral roots tend to exude whatever water they contain; thus the roots die unless the water is replaced. In plants that exhibit hydraulic redistribution, there are xylem pathways from the taproots to the laterals, so the loss of water from the laterals creates a pressure potential analogous to that of transpirational pull. Ground water is thus drawn up through the taproot to the laterals, only to be exuded into the surface soil.
Though often referred to as hydraulic lift, movement of water by the plant roots has been shown to occur in any direction. This phenomenon has been documented in over sixty plant species spanning a variety of plant types and over a range of environmental conditions.
Read more about this topic: Hydraulic Redistribution
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