The soil pit method: Measuring crop root depth and distribution
Problem: Root systems are essential for water and nutrient capture, but their growth is often constrained by soil structure, compaction, and management. Measuring root depth and distribution in situ is necessary to understand how crops establish under real field conditions, yet it is difficult to assess these traits without destructive methods.
Solution: The soil pit method (or profile wall method) involves digging a pit to 1–2 m depth, scraping the soil face, and recording root presence and distribution of roots on a grid. This direct field-based approach provides insight into root depth, spread, and interactions with soil conditions.
Benefits: The soil pit method gives a clear picture of root system distribution and soil–root interactions, making it valuable for detailed agronomic studies. However, it is time-consuming and destructive, so it is better suited for research requiring fewer but more detailed observations rather than large-scale breeding trials.
For more information, please see: https://zenodo.org/records/15591203
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