Latest root-monitoring

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The Importance of Plant Research in 2023

It may sound surprising in this age of accelerating manufacturing, but we need more plant research than ever before. We need to provide food security for a growing population in a changing climate. So novel cropping systems are necessary without harming the environment.  Basic research will improve our understanding of plants to the environment, while… Continue reading…

Image of a person inserting a CID Bio-Science minirhizotron into a root tube.

10 Vital Minirhizotron Applications for Agricultural Research

Minirhizotrons are a recent addition to a scientist’s toolbox, providing information on underground dynamics. Scientists can explore the relationship between roots and shoots along with the cumulative effect on crop yield. Using minirhizotron systems improves our knowledge of root responses to the environment, fertilizers, irrigation, and tillage, enhancing crop water and nutrient use efficiency. Ten… Continue reading…

Hidden Influence: Root system architecture and crop response to nutrition, irrigation, and climate

Continuous in situ root growth monitoring gives researchers a vital window into the hidden influences on what we see above ground. Dive into this in-depth discussion with Dr. Shiwangni Rao and Dr. Elmi Lotze, two prominent researchers digging into the complex relationship between crops, their roots, and their environment.

man stands measuring water height in a wetland environment

Using Minirhizotrons in Wetland Studies

Understanding underground carbon fluxes in wetlands has been challenging since the standard methods have primarily been destructive. Non-destructive minirhizotrons were tested as a possible solution to studying underground dynamics. Minirhizotron installation, anchorage, image capture and analysis, and data upscaling recommendations are made to meet the needs of the unique environment of wetlands. A Methodological Framework… Continue reading…

Precision Agriculture Policy & Adoption Outlook 2023

Precision agriculture is being branded as Agriculture 4 – the next revolution to make food production more profitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Even though its adoption is uneven, the use of precision agriculture has been increasing consistently for the last several years. This article will review precision agriculture technologies, their adoption, and how precision agriculture… Continue reading…

Hops in the heat: CID root imager and research on hops

Plant Physiologist Shinsuke Agehara (University of Florida) sits down with Application Scientist Eric Munoz (CID Bio-Science) to talk about root imaging and growing hops in the subtropics. CI-600 In-Situ Root Imager:https://cid-inc.com/plant-science-tools/root-measurement-with-minirhizotron/ci-600-in-situ-root-imager/ CI-602 Narrow Gauge Root Imager:https://cid-inc.com/plant-science-tools/root-measurement-with-minirhizotron/ci-602-narrow-gauge-root-imager/

Small soybean plants growing in row

Measuring Competition in Crop Plants: Mechanisms & Outcomes

Plant to Plant Competition Competition can be intraspecific (between members of a species) or interspecific (between species). In both cases, competition occurs for resources. Nutrients, water, and light are the common resources for which plants compete in space and time. While plants obtain light and some essential elements like carbon (C) and oxygen (O) from… Continue reading…

Root and plants

Root Respiration: Importance and Applications

Definition of Root Respiration Plant respiration happens not only in the leaves, but also through the root system. In root systems, oxygen (O2) in soil pores diffuses into the root hairs and gets transported to all parts of the roots. Plant roots use photosynthates during respiration for their various functions, like nutrient uptake and maintaining… Continue reading…

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Latest News in Plant and Crop Research: October 2021

Plant research is focused on physicochemical and biochemical attributes, as well as physiological processes to establish basic plant science. These are applied in crop research to improve productivity and also reduce the ecological footprint of conventional farming. Today, we give ten of this year’s latest discoveries in plant and crop science the “tl;dr” treatment, providing you with… Continue reading…

coal mine

Root Dynamics and Mycorrhizal Amelioration of Root Stress

The pollution caused by modern mining efforts is well documented, but the practice can also disturb soil structure and damage root systems, hampering restoration efforts in coal mines.