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Large portions of the world are characterized by shallow soil underlain by weathered bedrock or cemented soil horizons. The implications of this substrate condition for ecohydrological processes have not been systematically explored, but misrepresentation in models could have profound consequences for climate prediction and global vegetation modelling. An issue of particular uncertainty is the characterization of water storage for these regions. A limited number of case studies have shown that plant water uptake is not restricted to shallow soils but can involve uptake from rock layers below. The mechanisms governing root rock interactions are only beginning to be investigated. Research is needed to further characterize the dynamics of water recharge and depletion in weathered bedrock, to develop a better understanding of plant adaptations and rooting patterns required for effective use of bedrock-stored water, and to explore consequences for below-ground competition. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.