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Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Two-Dimensional Visualization and Quantification of Labile, Inorganic Plant Nutrients and Contaminants in Soil
Published on: September 1, 2020
Coupled X-ray imaging/diffraction reveals soil mechanics during analogous root growth
James Le Houx1,2, Daniel McKay Fletcher3,4, Alberto Leonardi5
1ISIS Neutron & Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, UK.
Abstract:
Soil compaction and escalating global drought increase soil strength and stiffness. It remains unclear which plant root biomechanical mechanisms/traits enable growth in these harsh conditions. Here, we combine synchrotron X-ray computed tomography with spatially resolved X-ray diffraction to characterize the biomechanics of a replica root-soil system. We map the strain field around the root tip analog, finding strong agreement with finite element simulations, thereby demonstrating a promising new in vivo measurement protocol.
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