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Application of X-ray computed tomography to quantify fresh root decomposition in situ

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Abstract

Background and aims

Much of our understanding of plant root decomposition and related carbon cycling come from mass loss rates calculated from roots buried in litter bags. However, this may not reflect what actually happens in the soil, where the interactions between root and soil structure presents a more complex physico-chemical environment compared to organic matter isolated in a porous bag buried in disturbed soil. This work investigates the potential of using X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) to measure root decomposition in situ.

Methods

Roots of Vicia faba L. were excised from freshly germinated seeds, buried in re-packed soil cores and cores incubated for 60 days. Changes in root volume and surface area were measured using repeated scans. Additional samples were destructively harvested and roots weighed to correlate root mass with root volume. The method was further applied to an experiment to investigate the effects of soil bulk density and soil moisture on root decomposition.

Results

Root volume (X-ray CT) and root mass (destructive harvest) decreased by 90 % over the 60 day incubation period, by which stage, root volume and mass had stabilised. There was a strong correlation (R 2 = 0.97) between root volume and root mass.

Conclusions

X-ray CT visualization and analysis provides a unique toolbox to understand root decomposition in situ.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the University of New England Early Career Post-doctoral initiative.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia

    Rebecca E. Haling, Matthew K. Tighe, Richard J. Flavel & Iain M. Young

Authors
  1. Rebecca E. Haling
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  2. Matthew K. Tighe
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  3. Richard J. Flavel
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  4. Iain M. Young
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Correspondence to Rebecca E. Haling.

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Responsible Editor: Alexia Stokes.

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Haling, R.E., Tighe, M.K., Flavel, R.J. et al. Application of X-ray computed tomography to quantify fresh root decomposition in situ. Plant Soil 372, 619–627 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1777-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1777-y

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