Waterboxx planting instructions
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Step 3: Preparing the plant
Plant preparation is an important part of the Waterboxx’s success. It is also important that
you understand what you are doing. This manual assumes that you are using a sapling that
has grown in a pot or perhaps a tray with plugs.
Step 3a: Theory
The roots of young plants have the extraordinary ability to penetrate soil, clay and even
rock in their search for water. One type of root especially contributes to this quality: the
primary root.
A plant has one primary root that grows vertically. Its main goal is to dig deep into the soil
to find a permanent water source for the plant. Once the primary root has reached its
goal, the plant stops digging further into the ground and develops secondary roots that
explore the ground in a horizontal direction. The smaller roots are much less powerful and
much less able to penetrate soil, let alone rock.
Plants that grow in an encased environment (a pot or plastic or another container) will
soon reach the limit of their vertical growth and lose the ability to dig deep into the
ground. That is why a previously potted plant will have a hard time growing in an
environment that holds little water in higher ground layers. The primary roots of potted
plants have either stopped growing vertically, or have started their way back up in search
for ground water.
That is why many young saplings die when they are replanted. The area may have a
sufficient water supply, but the plant is unable to reach deep enough to get to it.
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Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. When a primary root is pruned, it regains
its vertical digging ability and starts over in its search for ground water. Part of the
Waterboxx success is based on this principle. The Waterboxx gives saplings time to dig
deep enough to reach ground water. But in order to have the plants digging again, you will
