Work

Methods for measuring root traits in the field

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Root systems, along with their interactions with soil micro-organisms, are crucial for crop performance, mainly through the efficient capture of water and nutrients. These root traits significantly enhance crop resilience against climate change. However, measuring root systems is more labor-intensive compared to the above-ground parts of plants. Four methods – minirhizotron, soil pit, soil coring and shovelomics – were evaluated to assess their capacity to measure root traits in different crops and their accessibility. This factsheet provides an overview of these four methods.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13683048

Authors: Beauchêne, Katia, Harel, Camille

Institution: Arvalis - Institut du Végétal

Language: English

Topic: Soil Management and Crop Yield

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission