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- Title
Developing X-ray Computed Tomography to non-invasively image 3-D root systems architecture in soil.
- Authors
Mooney, S.; Pridmore, T.; Helliwell, J.; Bennett, M.
- 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.
- Subjects
TOMOGRAPHY; X-rays; VISUAL perception; IMAGING systems; CROSS-sectional imaging
- Publication
Plant & Soil, 2012, Vol 352, Issue 1/2, p1
- ISSN
0032-079X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s11104-011-1039-9