The fangy root growth is probably the result of growing near the edge of the field, on the headland.
The soil in this area of the field is sometimes more compacted due to farm machinery turning on it.
Another possible cause is the extremely dry weather we have had this year that may have made the soil very hard for the roots to grow through.
For more information about Broom's Barn and BERTIE please contact brooms.barn@bbsrc.ac.uk Broom's Barn, Higham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6NP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0)1284 812200