Journal Article

Application of ground penetrating radar for coarse root detection and quantification: a review

Guo, Li, Lin, Henry, Chen, Jin, Cui, Xihong, Fan, Bihang

2013

Overview

Background and Scope Because of the crucial role coarse roots (>2 mm diameter) play in plant functions and terrestrial ecosystems, detecting and quantifying the size, architecture, and biomass of coarse roots are important. Traditional excavation methods are labor intensive and destructive, with limited quantification and repeatability of measurements over time. As anondestructive geophysical tool for delineating buried features in shallow subsurface, ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been applied for coarse root detection since 1999. This article reviews the state-ofknowledge of coarse root detection and quantification using GPR, and discusses its potentials, constraints, possible solutions, and future outlooks. Some useful suggestions are provided that can guide future studies in this field. Conclusions The feasibility and accuracy of coarse root investigation by GPR have been tested in various site conditions (mostly in controlled conditions or within plantations) and for different plant species (mostly tree root systems). Thus far, single coarse root identification and coarse root system mapping have been conducted using GPR, including roots under pavements in urban environment. Coarse root diameter and biomass have been estimated from indexes extracted from root GPR radargrams. Coarse root development can be observed by repeated GPR scanning over time. Successful GPR-based coarse root investigation is site specific, and only under suitable conditions can reliable measurements be accomplished. The best quality of root detection by GPR is achieved in well-drained and electrically-resistive soils (such as sands) under dry conditions. Numerous factors such as local soil conditions, root electromagnetic properties, and GPR antenna frequency can impact the reliability and accuracy of GPR detection and quantification of coarse roots. As GPR design, data processing software, field data collection protocols, and root parameters estimation methods are continuously improved, this noninvasive technique could offer greater potential to study coarse roots.

• Publisher: Springer,Springer Netherlands,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions / Animal, plant and microbial ecology / antennae / Biological and medical sciences / biomass / Biomedical and Life Sciences / Coarse textured soils / computer software / Data collection / Data processing / Displays (Marketing) / Ecology / ecosystems / Excavation / Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology / General agronomy. Plant production / geophysics / Ground penetrating radar / labor / Life Sciences / MARSCHNER REVIEW / Plant Physiology / Plant populations / Plant roots / Plant Sciences / Plant species / plantations / Plants / Radar / Radar antennas / Radar echoes / Root biomass / Root development / Root systems / Roots / sand / Sand soils / Signal reflection / soil / soil quality / Soil Science & Conservation / Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility / Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility. Fertilization. Amendments / Terrestrial ecosystems / Urban environments / Vegetation mapping