Shining a light on root distribution

ACCESS to the best scientific infrastructure Australia has to offer has boosted the work of three young researchers aiming to improve the country’s crop management practices and profitability.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation, in partnership with the University of South Australia and the University of Queensland, is supporting a unique collaboration between scientists, Dr Casey Doolette, Dr Helen Hou and Dr Han Weng to better understand factors that limit root growth within soil.

The trio has been given access to the Australian Synchrotron, one of the country’s most significant pieces of scientific infrastructure.

The synchrotron produces powerful beams of light which are a million times brighter than the sun and allow researchers to examine the molecular and atomic details of a wide range of materials.

Using the imaging and medical beamline at the Melbourne facility, the researchers have been producing high quality, 3D imagery of roots growing directly into large, undisturbed soil cores.

UniSA’s Dr Helen Hou said the high quality of the imagery had been invaluable, providing extremely high-intensity X-rays that allowed the team to examine how the roots were growing in the soil.

“This technology has provided more realistic and informative analysis,” she said.

“Understanding soil factors which limit root growth is a critical aspect of improving crop yield and profitability across the Australian farming industry.”

GRDC acting senior manager agronomy, soils, nutrition and farming systems Kaara Klepper said understanding root distribution was the key to improving cropping yields, especially in constrained soils.

“Roots have often been referred to as the ‘hidden half’ of cropping because they’re concealed in the soil,” she said.

“That’s why having access to technology like the IMBL is so important — these scientists are developing methodology which can be used to understand root dynamics.

“It allows researchers to thoroughly examine undisturbed root distribution, giving them insight into the interaction between soil, organic matter and root growth.”

To find out more, visit  groundcover.grdc.com.au/agronomy/soil-and-nutrition/cutting-edge-technology-to-investigate-root-behaviour