In cooperation with SKW Piesteritz (http://www.skwp.de/) we investigate the influence of different N-fertilizers (urea, urea including inhibition of nitrification and nitrate-based) and fertilizer placement in soil on plant growth, root development and soil chemical properties under controlled conditions. Examination of acidity and N-dynamics in soil solution and soil matrix promotes the understanding of processes and mechanisms in relation to N-uptake and metabolization in the plant-soil-system from a spatial and temporal point of view. Root system development and root quantities are analyzed with classical methods but also by application of X-ray microtomography for a 3-dimensional non-destructive analysis during the whole period of plant growth and root development.