Typical root system of young mesquite

Typical root system of young mesquite showing deeply penetrating tap root also wide spreading laterals. Tap roots will extend to free water table as deep as 40 feet. In dry soils tap roots have been observed to penetrate to 20 feet with no apparent available moisture present. Depth penetration may be even greater. Depths greater than these are difficult to follow. Laterals were traced that ran close to the surface for a distance of 70 feet. Mesquite probably has the ability to absorb the moisture and salts at one zone and transport to growing points in other zones as evidence by lime accumulations on fine rootlets in a neutral soil zone. PSS number 2. Original photo number 307.