Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because

Transplantation is a critical agricultural process where seedlings are moved from a nursery to a field [2]. The primary reason many transplanted seedlings fail to grow is 'transplant shock,' which is largely caused by the loss or damage of delicate root hairs during the uprooting and replanting process. Root hairs are fine, hair-like structures responsible for the critical task of absorbing water and essential minerals from the soil [3]. Because these structures are fragile and non-woody, they are easily broken or microscopic wounds are caused through physical contact [1]. When a significant portion of these root hairs is lost, the seedling's ability to uptake moisture and nutrients is severely impaired, leading to water stress and potential plant death. While environmental factors like soil temperature and transpiration rates also play a role, the physical destruction of the root's absorption surface is the fundamental cause of failure.

Sources

1. [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns > The Sudarshana (beautiful) lake in Gujarat > p. 38
2. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 13: Plant Diversity of India > D€.yail kn$fu? > p. 200
3. [3] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 10: Life Processes in Plants > 10.3.1 Transport of water and minerals > p. 147