Soil requirements. Soil requirements of fruit plants, and above all, their requirements for lower layers and depths of water are varied. They will be discussed in detail when describing the cultivation of each species. Only these requirements will be discussed here, which are common to all fruit trees and shrubs. The main mass of their roots is located in the topsoil. The primary function of these roots is to provide the plant with nutrients and water. The remainder of the roots grows to the lower layers, sometimes up to two meters or more. These roots keep the plant in the substrate and also supply it with water and minerals. Providing plants with water in times of drought is a particularly important function of deep-rooted roots.
