The drilling device is operated by means of a cantilever arm to avoid soil disturbances by weight of the tractor at the sampling site.
Rhizo4Bio – Mobile Service Platform for Root and Soil Analysis
Funding: BMBF as part of the Rhizo4Bio research initiative
Project term: 01.10.2023 – 30.09.2025
The goal of the project is to establish a mobile platform for the efficient extraction and analysis of soil columns down to two meters depth. This platform measures the depth distribution of root systems, their properties, and soil characteristics important for root growth. The aim is to support the notoriously challenging study of root distribution and soil properties throughout the entire root zone in the field. All measurements are conducted in a mobile laboratory directly in the field, with standardized analyses for better comparability. The platform consists of a laboratory vehicle and a drilling device operated by a tractor (not part of the platform itself). After the funding phase, this technology will be made available to soil and plant scientists in Germany.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Hans-Jörg Vogel
Technical development: Alban Gebler