The soil coring method: Measuring root traits down the soil profile in field conditions
Problem: Root systems play a central role in crop performance by capturing water and nutrients, but their development can be restricted by soil structure, compaction, or agronomic practices. Measuring root growth at depth is essential for assessing crop resilience and resource-use efficiency, yet it remains challenging under field conditions.
Solution: The soil coring method involves collecting soil cores down to 1 m (or deeper with suitable equipment), washing out roots, and analysing traits such as root length density, diameter, and biomass. Standardised procedures allow comparison of varieties, treatments, and management practices in real field conditions.
Benefits: Soil coring provides detailed information on root distribution throughout the soil profile, making it a robust method applicable to many crops. However, it is time- and labour-intensive, which limits its use in large-scale breeding trials.
For more information, please see: https://zenodo.org/records/15591147
Root phenotyping and genetic improvement for rotational crops resilient to environmental change
Ongoing | 2022-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Morocco, South Africa