High-throughput monitoring of root diameter reveals the temporal dynamics of root decomposition.

Abstract

Background and aims Increasing C storage in cultivated soils requires a better understanding of C dynamics, particularly at depth, where root litter decomposition dynamics is expected to be slower than in ploughed layers. Methods We assessed the effect of barley root diameter on root decomposition in situ using a non-invasive method at different depths. Temporal decreases in root diameter and length were measured using images acquired by optical scanners buried at depths of 20, 50 and 90 cm from seeding and for 1.5 years. A parallel root litterbag experiment was performed to measure root mass loss. Results Root decomposition was observed on the scanned images before the flowering stage, with up to 85 % of the maximum root volume achieved being lost at harvest. Thinner roots ( Conclusions Optical scanner-based image analysis complements litterbags by enabling individual root tracking and in situ decomposition assessment without root manipulation. This method offers the opportunity to measure root decomposition at various soil depths over long periods, and could improve the estimation of root-derived soil C inputs.

Plant phenotyping relevance

埋設光学スキャナーと画像解析による根径・根長・根体積の非侵襲的経時測定が研究の中心で、根の分解を個別追跡する再利用可能な植物表現型取得法を実証している。

Code and data availability

The article describes scanner-based root decomposition measurements and R-based analyses, but no public phenotype dataset, image collection, analysis code, or repository deposit is mentioned. Only a supplementary DOCX file is referenced, with no public URL or availability statement, and no authors' public code/data URL

No evidence-backed public reproduction asset is currently recorded.