What is it about?
Characterizing root systems is very hard and time-consuming since they are hidden in the soil underneath our feet. In addition, if we do dig up root systems, we typically destroy them, being unable to monitor their functioning over time. Nevertheless, knowing them better is essential, because the root system determines the capability of a plant to take up water and nutrients, especially under drought. Electrical methods might be the solution, since we can easily inject current in the ground or the plant and measure the response. This paper explores the different ways we can use electricity to characterize roots and root systems.
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Why is it important?
The rhizosphere provides the necessary nutrients, water, and anchorage for plants and is one of the most active parts of soil in terms of nutrient and carbon cycling and maintaining biodiversity. It is home to numerous interactions between soil, plant, and microorganisms. Understanding rhizosphere processes is therefore crucial for sustainable agriculture and food production.
Perspectives
Electrical methods are fascinating and although they have been studied for decades, especially to study aquifers or find metals or oil in the subsurface, I think they have big potential to help us characterize root systems and their functioning in their natural environment.
Prof. Sarah Garre
Instituut voor landbouw-, visserij- en voedingsonderzoek
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Sensing the electrical properties of roots: A review, Vadose Zone Journal, January 2020, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/vzj2.20082.
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