Question

when a rooted layer being transplanted has a small root system and a large top, the plants moisture requirements are balanced by ______.
a. cutting back the top to a smaller size
b. watering the plant more often
c. using a mulch to conserve moisture
d. none of the above

Explanation:

To balance moisture in a transplanted plant with a small root system and large top, we need to address the imbalance between water absorption (by roots) and water loss (by the top). Option a: Cutting back the top reduces the surface area for transpiration (water loss), matching the root's limited absorption. Option b: Watering more doesn't fix the root's inability to absorb enough for a large top. Option c: Mulch conserves moisture but doesn't address the top - root imbalance. So the correct approach is cutting back the top.

Answer:

a. cutting back the top to a smaller size