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Developing X-ray Computed Tomography to non-invasively image 3-D root systems architecture in soil

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Abstract

Background

The need to observe roots in their natural undisturbed state within soil, both spatially and temporally, is a challenge that continues to occupy researchers studying the rhizosphere.

Scope

This paper reviews how over the last 30 years the application of X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) has demonstrated considerable promise for root visualisation studies. We describe how early CT work demonstrated that roots could be visualised within soils, but was limited by resolution (ca. 1 mm). Subsequent work, utilising newer micro CT scanners, has been able to achieve higher resolutions (ca. 50 μm) and enhance imaging capability in terms of detecting finer root material. However the overlap in the attenuation density of root material and soil pore space has been a major impediment to the uptake of the technology. We then outline how sophisticated image processing techniques, frequently based on object tracking methods, have demonstrated great promise in overcoming these obstacles. This, along with the concurrent advances in scan and reconstruction times, image quality and resolution (ca. 0.5 μm) have opened up new opportunities for the application of X-ray CT in experimental studies of root and soil interactions.

Conclusions

We conclude that CT is well placed to contribute significantly to unravelling the complex interactions between roots and soil.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the comments and thoughts of Craig Sturrock, Stefan Mairhofer, Susan Zappala and Saoirse Tracy.

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  1. Centre for Plant Integrative Biology (CPIB), University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK

    S. J. Mooney, T. P. Pridmore, J. Helliwell & M. J. Bennett

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  1. S. J. Mooney
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  2. T. P. Pridmore
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Correspondence to S. J. Mooney.

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Marschner Review: Developing X-ray CT to image root architecture in soil

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Mooney, S.J., Pridmore, T.P., Helliwell, J. et al. Developing X-ray Computed Tomography to non-invasively image 3-D root systems architecture in soil. Plant Soil 352, 1–22 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-011-1039-9

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