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Applications and Limitations of Rhizotrons and Minirhizotrons

2013; Linguagem: Inglês

10.2134/asaspecpub50.c1

2165-9710

B. L. McMichael, Howard M. Taylor,

Light effects on plants

The chapter presents an overview of the historical development of the rhizotron and minirhizotron along with some specific applications and limitations of the systems. Basically a rhizotron is a covered walkway between two exposed soil profiles. The roof of the covered walkway is close to ground level to prevent drastic changes in the microclimate of the crop growing on either side. Minirhizotron tubes range in diameter from 6 to 150 mm depending primarily on the equipment available for boring access holes and the type of observing device. Rhizotrons are designed to measure changes in size and activity of root systems. Root length can be measured on plants growing in a rhizotron. Changes in the depth that plant roots reach over specific time periods can be observed with the minirhizotron system. Rooting density calculations using the minirhizotron system utilize a few basic measurements along with assumptions about the total soil volume occupied by the roots.