Factors that affect nutrient uptake Root systems differ in total length depth of penetration, lateral spread, and root density at each depth through the pedon Roots also differ in the form thickness degree of branching, and development root hairs and mycorrhizae All these characteristics influence root function• Root systems differ in total length, depth of penetration, lateral spread, and root density at each depth through the pedon. Roots also differ in the form: thickness, degree of branching, and development root hairs and mycorrhizae. • All these characteristics influence root function. Factors that affect nutrient uptake