This module comprises optical, infra-red and electromagnetic detection of root morphology, structure and function in soil in controlled environments and in the field. Access to MRI and X-ray tomography will be available through collaborations nationally and internationally.

Crop Plant Root Module : NIR Imaging of Soil Moisture

Corn plant was grown in a transparent 8 cm polyacryl column.	Results of NIR monitoring allow measurement of spatial distribution water content in soil. Total development of drying over time.
We have rhizo box imaging time lapse root imaging at the HRPPC plus both TPA and the HRPPC have NIR imaging of water in soil columns and roots in transparent pots (above). Also applicable to arabidopsis and root mutants. Outputs standard image files and stitched images (semi tomographic).

Access to World Class Plant MRI via Collaboration

NMR-imaging of root structure in soil.	NMR-imaging can distinguish fibre and estimate fibre volume in an intact boll on the plant over time.