Rhizobox Top Piece for Gas Exchange Measurements & Isotope Labeling
Rhizobox Gas Flux & Labeling Chambers. Measuring CO2, O2, N2O or NH4 gas exchange in rhizoboxes is important to determine plant vigor, photosynthetic performance and ecosystem C and GHG fluxes. We thus build respiration chambers which can be tightly placed on top of rhizoboxes, allowing for convenient measurements of gas fluxes by attaching an instruments of choice, e.g. IR gas analyser (IRGA) or Picarro for CO2 (isotopic) measurements.
Isotopes in general are versatile research tools. The VSI top-up chambers for root boxes can thus be used as pulse isotope labeling chambers for rhizoboxes to study a range of plant and soil functions such as exudation, water use efficiency, N fixation or transfer of labelled C assimilates to roots and their symbionts.
We build unique rhizobox respiration and labelling chambers, get in contact and/or select as accessory to VSI Rhizoboxes via the Rhizobox Configuration Form (pdf).
Please send along: Rhizobox outer dimension & material thickness, include an image or drawing if possible
Rhizobox top-up Respiration and Isotope Labeling Chambers - Specifications
In the picture above, the black sleeve fits tightly to rhizoboxes. Two (or custom numbers of) air connectors at different ends of the chambers (or positioned at place of choice) can be used as inlets and outlets for gas flow, either for labelling, for connecting a measuring device for open or closed chamber approach, or for chamber circulation with external fans. For large top pieces we recommend to have an additional fan inside or outside the chamber to ensure enhanced air mixing. Environmental parameters within chambers, particular temperature, humidity etc. can be monitored, as recommended for "regular" ecosystem respiration chambers / isotope labelign chambers. We can thus foresee the required openings for inserting sensor cables and/or places to connect sensor at the inside of the transparent walls.
Other Plant Respiration Chambers
Consider ecosystem & mesocosm respiration chambers for plant experiments / labeling using pots, mesocosm and conducting gas-flux measurements in situ.