Root research the right way
The CID Bio-Science In-Situ Root Imager makes high-resolution observation of root growth and behavior simple and non-destructive.
Crop optimization
Measure the impact of various treatments on root growth over time, giving a holistic view of plant health.

Forest productivity & sustainability
Analyze root growth and competition in forest ecosystems to understand the impacts of established and invasive species.

Climate & environmental research
Glean insights into plant response to environmental changes over time by non-destructively measuring selected installations.

Crop optimization
Measure the impact of various treatments on root growth over time, giving a holistic view of plant health.
Forest productivity & sustainability
Analyze root growth and competition in forest ecosystems to understand the impacts of established and invasive species.
Climate & environmental research
Glean insights into plant response to environmental changes over time by non-destructively measuring selected installations.


Bringing new crops to light by looking below ground
The CI-600 In-Situ Root Imager allows Dr. Shinsuke Agehara and his team at University of Florida to develop a holistic understanding of established and emerging crops in Florida—from the ground, up.
View the full story here....
Real-time root measurement for real results
Tracking changes to root systems is vital to understanding overall plant health, and with the In-Situ Root Imager, this data can be gathered consistently & non-destructively.

Lightweight & portable
After installing root tubes in desired locations, simply transport the handheld scanner to each location to begin taking quick and easy measurements.
High-resolution scanner
The In-Situ Root Imager is capable of producing images of up to 23.5 million pixels, with a scan resolution of up to 600 DPI.
360° scans
Rotating the scanner in the tube produces live-updating 360° images of the surrounding roots and soil.
Eliminate image distortion
Scans are taken in a linear fashion, creating no image distortion to correct for later.
RootSnap!
Use our free software RootSnap! to quickly and easily calculate root parameters.
1
Lightweight & portable
After installing root tubes in desired locations, simply transport the handheld scanner to each location to begin taking quick and easy measurements.
2
High-resolution scanner
The In-Situ Root Imager is capable of producing images of up to 23.5 million pixels, with a scan resolution of up to 600 DPI.
3
360° scans
Rotating the scanner in the tube produces live-updating 360° images of the surrounding roots and soil.
4
Eliminate image distortion
Scans are taken in a linear fashion, creating no image distortion to correct for later.
5
RootSnap!
Use our free software RootSnap! to quickly and easily calculate root parameters.
More than 170+ published research papers using
root analysis.
Partial root zone drying exerts different physiological responses on field-grown grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. Monastrell) in comparison to regulated deficit irrigation
Date: 2014
Publication: Functional Plant Biology
Author(s): Romero, P., Perez-Perez, J., del Amor, F., Martinez-Cutillas, A., Dodd, I., Botia, P.
Country: Spain
Net ecosystem carbon balance of an apple orchard
Date: 2015
Publication: European Journal of Agronomy
Author(s): Damiano Zanotellia=, Leonardo Montagnani, Giovanni Manca, Francesca Scandellari, Massimo Tagliavini
Country:
Elevated CO2 enhances health risk of heavy metals in different paddy-rice species growing in Cu/Cd contaminated soils
Date: 2015
Publication: Journal of Chemical Engineering Research Studies
Author(s): Huibin, W., Zhengguo, S., Fei, L., Xiao, W., Weiwen, Q., Zhongi, L., Shirong, T.
Country:
Request a live demonstration
Non-destructive root scanning in the field

Included tablet
computer
Scanner operation in controlled via a provided, intel-powered Acer tablet with pre-installed specialty software.

One instrument,
unlimited locations
Work beyond the rhizotron box – install root tubes anywhere & generate measurements from unlimited locations.

High-resolution
root images
The In-Situ Root Imager is capable of producing images of up to 23.5 million pixels, with a scan resolution of up to 600 DPI.

Live-updating, 360° scans
Rotating the scanner in the tube produces live updating 360° images of the surrounding roots and soil.

Accurate root measurement
Be confident in your scan accuracy—the In-Situ Root Imager’s linear scanning
system creates no image distortion to correct for later.

RootSnap! software
Use our free software RootSnap! to quickly and easily calculate root parameters such as length, area, volume, diameter & branching angle.






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Does this product come with a warranty?
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All CID Instruments come with a 12-month warranty from the point of sale. The warranty covers repairing and replacing defective parts of the instrument that were manufactured directly by CID Bio-Science. The warranty does not cover wear and tear, neglect, misuse, accidents, or excessive deterioration. Further, repair and alteration by an unauthorized party voids the warranty. More information can be found in the operation manual of your instrument.
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Is the CI-600 waterproof?
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The CI-600 is not designed to be waterproof and should not be used underwater. The CI-600 is designed to be water-resistant. Use in light rain is fine, however, there are electronics inside of the instrument that can be damaged by water, so it is not recommended to use the CI-600 during heavy rainfall. Furthermore, it should be noted that the tablet provided with the CI-600 is not waterproof and a waterproof case would need to be purchased for use in wet conditions.
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What are the minimum and maximum operating temperatures?
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You can use the CI-600 root imager in temperatures ranging from -5° C to 55° C.
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What different types of researchers use the In-Situ Root Imager?
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Crop, forestry, environmental, plant, climate, hydrology, and soil researchers all benefit enormously from the metrics that the In-Situ Root Imager provides.
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Do I have to purchase RootSnap! separately?
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No! RootSnap! software is free to all users of CID Bio-Science Root Imagers.

Have additional questions?
Click the link below to speak with one of our staff scientists about your specific application.
Specifications
Image Size | 21.6 × 19.6 cm (8.5″ × 7.7″) |
Scan Speed | 30-480 seconds* depending on scanning resolution (100DPI-600DPI) |
Image Resolution | Up to 600 DPI |
Computer | Handheld tablet |
Interface | USB Cable |
Scan Head Dimensions | 34.3 cm long × 6.35 cm diameter |
Scanner Unit Weight | 750g |
System | Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10 |
Requirements | 1GB Memory/RAM 1GHZ+ Processor (Windows XP and Vista may work, however we are unable to provide technical support for users of these operating systems) |
* Scan speeds for handheld tablet included with scanner. Scan speeds vary with device used to operate scanner.
Root Tube Dimensions
Inner Diameter | 2.5 in (6.35cm) |
Outer Diameter | 2.75 in (7cm) |
Wall Thickness | 0.12 in (3.2mm) |
Standard Length | 41.3 in (105cm) |
Get to know the CI-600 In-Situ Root Imager
Observing a root system throughout a plant’s life cycle is key to understanding overall plant behavior and health, and to improving crop performance.
Easily evaluating roots in the field
Non-destructive root images show a variety of features including root system architecture, timing of new growth or dormancy, root length or depth, mycorrhizal root tips, fungal infection, and parasites or nematode cysts.
Product support
At CID Bio-Science we are committed to delivering the highest level of customer support and service. Need help? Click the button below to browse our resources and help guides or get in touch with our expert support staff.
Request a quote for a CI-600 In-Situ Root Imager
Pricing and all related materials will be sent directly to your inbox.