Abstract
Direct and simultaneous observation of root growth and plant water uptake is difficult because soils are opaque. X-ray imaging techniques such as projection radiography or Computer Tomography (CT) offer a partial alternative to such limitations. Nevertheless, there is a trade-off between resolution, large field-of-view and 3-dimensionality: With the current state of the technology, it is possible to have any two. In this study, we used X-ray transmission through thin-slab systems to monitor transient saturation fields that develop around roots as plants grow. Although restricted to 2-dimensions, this approach offers a large field-of-view together with high spatial and dynamic resolutions. To illustrate the potential of this technology, we grew peas in 1 cm thick containers filled with soil and imaged them at regular intervals. The dynamics of both the root growth and the water content field that developed around the roots could be conveniently monitored. Compared to other techniques such as X-ray CT, our system is relatively inexpensive and easy to implement. It can potentially be applied to study many agronomic problems, such as issues related to the impact of soil constraints (physical, chemical or biological) on root development.
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© 2003 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
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Pierret, A., Kirby, M., Moran, C. (2003). Simultaneous X-ray imaging of plant root growth and water uptake in thin-slab systems. In: Abe, J. (eds) Roots: The Dynamic Interface between Plants and the Earth. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 101. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2923-9_35
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2923-9_35
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-6407-3
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