ROOT VOLUME Archives - CID Bio-Science

How Does the Rhizosphere Effect Influence Plant Growth and Soil Health?

The rhizosphere is the soil surrounding the plant root and soil interface. Root exudates, controlled by plant species, functional type, root traits, and biomes, can determine the biology, physics, and chemistry of the rhizosphere effect. The rhizosphere effect can enhance nutrient availability and defense at the plant level; carbon and nutrient cycling and possible bioremedial… Continue reading…

Advances in the Measurement of Root Turnover with Minirhizotron Technology

Root turnover rates are complex to measure as growth and death co-occur in plants. Minirhizotron is a standard method for estimating root turnover as it is non-destructive, rapid, and accurate. One challenge in the widespread use of minirhizotrons for root turnover is the lack of analysis methods to directly convert root scans to turnover estimation.… Continue reading…

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…

Minirhizotron as a Tool to Measure Root Turnover

Fine root turnover is important for the nutrient acquisition of trees and in nutrient cycling for the entire ecosystem. Hence, it is important to understand how elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are influencing root turnover in high altitude forests. Special tools, suited to non-destructive and repeated data collection, are crucial to the success of… Continue reading…

INTERVIEW: Hops in the Heat – Root Imaging and Research on Hops at University of Florida

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. TRANSCRIPT: Eric: Hi, my name is Eric Munoz. I’m an application scientist here at Felix Instruments, CID Bioscience. Shinsuke: Hi, my name is Shinsuke Agehara. I’m a plant… Continue reading…

Estimating the Role of Ectomycorrhiza

The symbiosis between the roots of plants and fungus is considered to be widespread and one of the oldest mutualistic associations. One such association is ectomycorrhiza, which is common among tree species. Their role in the growth, health, and productivity of both natural and commercial ecosystems has only recently begun to be appreciated. Studying the… Continue reading…

Pulses and Effective Drought Response

Pulses are an important source of protein and vital for global nutritional security. Irregular and reduced rainfall, along with temperature rises due to climate change, are making food production more challenging. Since 80% of crops are rainfed, it is imperative that we understand how crops react to drought. Research into the internal physiological processes that… Continue reading…

Adapting Production to Drought

Many parts of the world face water shortage and drought. As a result, farms and orchards are losing their capacity to produce food. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), drought cost the world 29 billion USD in 2018; therefore, it is imperative for governments, crop consultants, and farmers to be proactive. Technology is… Continue reading…

Digging Deep for New Irrigation Methods

Irrigation is essential to increase food production. However, competing needs and increasing drought makes water for irrigation scarce. Therefore, new methods and strategies are continuously being tested by scientists to improve food production, accompanied by better water use efficiency. This article will examine how modern field tools are helping in this venture. Irrigation Methods According… Continue reading…

Growth Regulators and Bio-stimulants Boost Plant Growth and Yield

We are currently faced with the task of increasing food production for a growing population with little additional land. Agriculture already uses 37% of land area and converting more forests to farms can further exacerbate environmental problems, so strategies, such as the use of bio-stimulants and plant growth regulators, could be a possible solution to… Continue reading…