Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Book chapters
DOI 10.1002/9781119525417.ch13
Title (Primary) The 3-D imaging of roots growing in soil
Title (Secondary) The root systems in sustainable agricultural intensification
Author Blaser, S.R.G.A.; Koebernick, N.; Schlüter, S.; Vetterlein, D.
Publisher Rengel, Z.; Djalovic, I.
Year 2021
Department BOSYS
Page From 329
Page To 353
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Keywords noninvasive imaging; root growth; soil water; root–soil contact; root hairs; soil compaction
Abstract As roots generally grow below the soil surface, visualization and analysis of root growth in situ, in the soil, are a challenge. Classical methods typically require the removal of the root system from the soil for examination. This results in a loss of the intact root–soil system and, therefore, information on the root system architecture is lost. Furthermore, the analysis of root growth over time is not possible if destructive sampling methods are used. Modern imaging techniques such as neutron tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and especially X-ray computed tomography offer possibilities to overcome the above-mentioned limitations. These noninvasive imaging techniques are reviewed in this chapter, including specific advantages and disadvantages, as well as typical fields of application. By using these techniques, new and detailed insights into the root–soil system are possible. This allows the study of the dynamic characteristics of the true three-dimensional morphology of the root system architecture, from the distance between individual roots to the distribution of root hairs. This allows studying important interactions between roots and soil, e.g. deformation of soil by root growth and the contact between roots and soil. The noninvasive nature of imaging techniques enables repeated measurements to observe the dynamic response of roots to environmental cues. These studies contribute to a better understanding of the soil–plant interactions and can provide important information for improving soil resource capture as well as for modelling of water and nutrient uptake by plants. The 3D imaging of roots growing in soil provides valuable parameters for breeders targeting root traits, which can hardly be determined by classical methods. Therefore, the relevance of 3D imaging is expected to grow in the near future.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=24634
Blaser, S.R.G.A., Koebernick, N., Schlüter, S., Vetterlein, D. (2021):
The 3-D imaging of roots growing in soil
In: Rengel, Z., Djalovic, I. (eds.)
The root systems in sustainable agricultural intensification
Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, p. 329 - 353 10.1002/9781119525417.ch13