Eli5: When repotting a very rootbound plant, it appears all the soil has been replaced by roots. How has this happened?

Question

Has the plant absorbed the organic matter? Is that possible??

In: 5

Answer 1

Soil isnt pressed into the container super tight to allow air in the soil for roots. As the roots grow, they can push soil around and take up that air space.

Then Some organic matter is absorbed in form of certain nutrients, some soil leaves with water when watering.