Root Exudate

Fluids (secretions) from plant roots which can encourage beneficial bacteria or fungi in the rhizosphere. Root exudate can also help to protect plant roots from undesirable micro-organisms or toxic soil conditions. Exudates from cut tree roots, damaged by slit or chisel tining, or other means, can cause localised toxicity to grass roots. This can make the sward surface turn a reddish colour, from the bleeding of the roots, which in turn can start to thin the sward. A typical example of where this would be most noticeable would be on a golf green which is closely surrounded by trees.