@article{fdi:010069442,
  title = {{A}n evaluation of inexpensive methods for root image acquisition when using rhizotrons},
  author = {{M}ohamed, {A}. and {M}onnier, {Y}. and {M}ao, {Z}. and {L}obet, {G}. and {M}aeght, {J}ean-{L}uc and {R}amel, {M}. and {S}tokes, {A}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{B}ackground: {B}elowground processes play an essential role in ecosystem nutrient cycling and the global carbon budget cycle. {Q}uantifying fine root growth is crucial to the understanding of ecosystem structure and function and in predicting how ecosystems respond to climate variability. {A} better understanding of root system growth is necessary, but choosing the best method of observation is complex, especially in the natural soil environment. {H}ere, we compare five methods of root image acquisition using inexpensive technology that is currently available on the market: flatbed scanner, handheld scanner, manual tracing, a smartphone application scanner and a time-lapse camera. {U}sing the five methods, root elongation rate ({RER}) was measured for three months, on roots of hybrid walnut ({J}uglans nigra x {J}uglans regia {L}) in rhizotrons installed in agroforests. {R}esults: {W}hen all methods were compared together, there were no significant differences in relative cumulative root length. {H}owever, the time- lapse camera and the manual tracing method significantly overestimated the relative mean diameter of roots compared to the three scanning methods. {T}he smartphone scanning application was found to perform best overall when considering image quality and ease of use in the field. {T}he automatic time- lapse camera was useful for measuring {RER} over several months without any human intervention. {C}onclusion: {O}ur results show that inexpensive scanning and automated methods provide correct measurements of root elongation and length (but not diameter when using the time-lapse camera). {T}hese methods are capable of detecting fine roots to a diameter of 0.1 mm and can therefore be selected by the user depending on the data required.},
  keywords = {{F}ine root elongation rate ; {F}latbed scanner ; {H}andheld scanner ; {S}martphone ; {T}ime-lapse camera},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{P}lant {M}ethods},
  volume = {13},
  numero = {},
  pages = {art. 11 [13 ]},
  ISSN = {1746-4811},
  year = {2017},
  DOI = {10.1186/s13007-017-0160-z},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010069442},
}