Plant roots help to keep water in the soil!

After rainfall, some water is absorbed into the soil and some becomes runoff. Runoff is the flow of water into a river or stream. Runoff can lead to erosions as sediments and soil can get carried off by wind or water.

Soil erosion can pollute streams and rivers, thus removing the minerals and nutrients necessary for plants to grow. Moreover, the sediment can also turn the water cloudy and turbid, risking the entry of fertilizers or pesticides into the water. Erosion is common along the banks of rivers and streams.

One way to prevent erosion is by reducing runoff. Plants are very good at this! Plant roots absorb tons of water. The roots act as nets, trapping sediment and keeping the water from carrying it away. By holding onto sediment, plants keep waterways clean and prevent erosion. They also help the soil become more absorbent so it can hold more water.

Additionally, plants maintain good soil allowing other things to grow. Maintaining forests, grasslands, and wetlands can hold more water inside these living organisms, keeping the ecosystem healthy and balanced.