In situ detection of tree root distribution and biomass by multi-electrode resistivity imaging

Tree Physiology
Mariana AmatoRoberta Rossi

Abstract

Traditional methods for studying tree roots are destructive and labor intensive, but available nondestructive techniques are applicable only to small scale studies or are strongly limited by soil conditions and root size. Soil electrical resistivity measured by geoelectrical methods has the potential to detect belowground plant structures, but quantitative relationships of these measurements with root traits have not been assessed. We tested the ability of two-dimensional (2-D) DC resistivity tomography to detect the spatial variability of roots and to quantify their biomass in a tree stand. A high-resolution resistivity tomogram was generated along a 11.75 m transect under an Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. stand based on an alpha-Wenner configuration with 48 electrodes spaced 0.25 m apart. Data were processed by a 2-D finite-element inversion algorithm, and corrected for soil temperature. Data acquisition, inversion and imaging were completed in the field within 60 min. Root dry mass per unit soil volume (root mass density, RMD) was measured destructively on soil samples collected to a depth of 1.05 m. Soil sand, silt, clay and organic matter contents, electrical conductivity, water content and pH were measured on a subset of sa...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 19, 2013·Environmental Science & Technology·Ainara Domínguez-GarayAbraham Esteve-Núñez
Jan 29, 2011·Journal of Experimental Botany·Josef UrbanRaphael Mainiero
May 3, 2011·Current Opinion in Plant Biology·Jinming ZhuTedd Elich
Apr 7, 2015·The Science of the Total Environment·Giorgio CassianiAlberto Bellin
Feb 9, 2021·Emerging Topics in Life Sciences·Tyler DowdChristopher N Topp
Dec 15, 2020·Plant Phenomics : a Science Partner Journal·Sam SultanSaket Navlakha

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