Roots of grasses and flowering plants in a grassland community were studied to see how they respond to different nutrient levels in the soil. Both types of roots grew more in patches with more nutrients, but they were equally good at finding these patches. Grass roots were longer and thinner than flowering plant roots, but this didn't change with nutrient levels. Below-ground, there were more grass roots than above-ground, and this changed throughout the season. After cutting the plants, there were fewer grass roots below-ground. Overall, grasses and flowering plants are similar in how they search for nutrients in the soil, but they have other differences.