Use of X-ray tomography for examining root architecture in soils
Date
2022
Authors
Hou, L.
Gao, W.
van der Bom, F.
Weng, Z.
Doolette, C.L.
Maksimenko, A.
Hausermann, D.
Zheng, Y.
Tang, C.
Lombi, E.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Geoderma, 2022; 405(article no. 115405):1-13
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
Despite the critical importance of roots within soils for supporting plant growth, the assessment of root distribution in soils remains difficult and much is unknown regarding their behaviour. In this review, we examine X-ray computed tomography (CT) as a non-invasive method for examining root distribution in soils. X-ray CT enables three-dimensional reconstruction of soil cores to accurately estimate a wide range of features within the soil, including roots, not only examining changes spatially but also temporally. With the development of high-end X-ray CT systems and image processing algorithms, this approach can now be used to examine a range of factors, including root system architecture, soil-root interactions, soil pore architecture, soil biophysical interactions, and soil microorganism behaviour. In addition, we examine the use of synchrotron-based X-ray CT which has been used to provide better resolution, larger sample analysis, faster scanning, and images with greater contrast compared to conventional systems.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
Copyright 2021 Elsevier BV