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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
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Extracting Metrics for Three-dimensional Root Systems: Volume and Surface Analysis from In-soil X-ray Computed Tomography Data
Published on: April 26, 2016
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Quantification of root water uptake in soil using X-ray computed tomography and image-based modelling
Keith R Daly1, Saoirse R Tracy2, Neil M J Crout3
1Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|May 16, 2017
Summary
Spatially averaged models accurately predict wheat water uptake, showing less than 2% difference. However, this method loses crucial details about water distribution near the root system.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Spatially averaged models are commonly used to estimate plant water uptake.
- The accuracy of these models in representing root-soil interactions is often assumed.
- Direct calculation of water uptake requires detailed root architecture and soil hydraulic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of spatially averaged models for plant water uptake.
- To investigate the impact of root architecture and geometry on water uptake.
- To compare image-based modeling with traditional spatially averaged models.
Main Methods:
- X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to image wheat root systems over time.
- Semi-automated root tracking segmented root geometries.
- Image-based modeling solved Richards' equation using pore-scale soil hydraulic properties.
Main Results:
- Spatially averaged models showed less than 2% difference in water uptake compared to image-based models.
- Image-based modeling successfully visualized water distribution around the roots.
- Significant loss of information regarding spatial water distribution near roots was observed with spatial averaging.
Conclusions:
- Spatially averaged models provide a reliable estimation of total plant water uptake.
- Detailed root architecture and soil properties significantly influence water availability near roots.
- Image-based modeling offers a more comprehensive understanding of root-soil water dynamics.
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