Rhizotrons & Root Observation Windows

  • Rhizotron
  • Root Observation Window

Rhizotron facilities commonly incorporate (plexi-)glass observation windows / panels for the observation of root growth in undisturbed soil. This concept has also been adapted for field research, where (removable) "root windows", as as alternative to "minirhizotrons", are employed to achieve the same purpose. For "portable" rhizotrons and ex situ studies see Rhizoboxes. 


Rhizotrons - Specifications

VSI Rhizotron

VSI Rhizotrons. We build ultra-large rhizoboxes, also known as rhizotrons, for woody plant studies, as mesocosms for holding species assemblages, and for educational displays. The Rhizotrons are fully customizable and consist of aluminum panels (anodized) for the back and side, aluminum profiles on the front edges, and transparent acrylic front panels (mounted straight or angled). The bottom can be constructed open ("no bottom") or perforated (for drainage). Shading panels are optional. Please contact us to discuss your custom Rhizotron installation. Size limitations are imposed by the availability of acrylic front panels and/or larger dimensions can be achieved by using partitions (see example Figure). See VSI Rhizoboxes if you are interested in portable Rhizotrons for ex situ studies.

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Root Observation Windows - Specifications

Root Observation Window

VSI Root Observation Windows. Root observation windows in "Rhizotron" facilities / field plots typically consist of a transparent panel or wall that is installed vertically (or slightly angled) in the soil to allow direct visualization of the roots. This panel is made of transparent & durable acrylic. The transparent surface is positioned to intersect the root zone, allowing to observe the roots as they grow and develop. Vienna Scientific will assist you in sourcing/manufacturing all parts necessary to install Root Observation Windows in your experiment. Our service can include

  • Installation tools (such as metal plates to cut a slit in the soil)
  • Root windows (custom sizes, acrylic (PMMA) or tempered glass), fixed or removeable
  • Support Frames (to secure the Root Window to the soil, custom made based on soil conditions, Root Window dimensions, permanency of experimental set-up)
  • Shading Panels (to cover the Root Window between observations)

Optional:

  • Covers to close excavated pits between observations
  • Bottom mat to cover the bottom of excavated pits (to prevent feet from getting too dirty in muddy pits)

Wooden poles and boards to secure the excavated pit walls (back and sides) can best sourced locally. Please schedule a meeting to discuss your root window requirements.

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How to install a root observation window

Installing root windows in a field generally involves the following steps

  1. Cutting a soil profile by inserting a steel plate (or similar)
  2. Replacing the steel plate with a Plexiglas observation window
  3. Fixing / stabilising the observation window with a supporting frame, pressing the root window gently against the soil profile
  4. Excavating the area in front of the observation window (soil pit), possibly reinforcing walls, etc.
  5. Install shading panels, reinforce the walls of the soil pit against cave-ins, etc. Consider installing a drainage system in the soil pit. Consider installing a cover over the entire soil pit (reduces the risk of injury, and reduces the temperature at your root window).
  6. Wait for root systems to grow / grow back.
  7. Observe roots. If your Root Observation Window is removable, measure biochemical soil and rhizosphere properties (pH, exudation, etc.) in situ.

Selected Readings on Root Observation Windows & Rhizotrons

  • Bilyera, N., Hummel, C., Daudin, G., Santangeli, M., Zhang, X., Santner, J., ... & Oburger, E. (2022). Co-localised phosphorus mobilization processes in the rhizosphere of field-grown maize jointly contribute to plant nutrition. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 165, 108497.
  • Böhm, W. (1979). Glass Wall methods. In: Methods of studyng root systems  (pp. 61–79). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer.
  • Grierson, P. F., & Comerford, N. B. (2000). Non-destructive measurement of acid phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere using nitrocellulose membranes and image analysis. Plant and Soil, 218, 49-57.
  • Gross, K. L., Peters, A., & Pregitzer, K. S. (1993). Fine root growth and demographic responses to nutrient patches in four old-field plant species. Oecologia, 95, 61-64.
  • Huck, M. G., & Taylor, H. M. (1982). The rhizotron as a tool for root research. Advances in Agronomy, 35, 1-35.
  • Maeght, J. L., Rewald, B., & Pierret, A. (2013). How to study deep roots—and why it matters. Frontiers in Plant Science, 4, 299.
  • Neumann, G., George, T. S., & Plassard, C. (2009). Strategies and methods for studying the rhizosphere—the plant science toolbox. Plant and Soil, 321, 431-456.
  • Polomski, J., & Kuhn, N. (2002). Root research methods. In Plant Roots (pp. 475-516). CRC Press.
  • Silva, D. D., & Beeson, R. C. (2011). A large-volume rhizotron for evaluating root growth under natural-like soil moisture conditions. HortScience, 46(12), 1677-1682.
  • Smit, A. L., & Groenwold, J. (2005). Root characteristics of selected field crops: data from the Wageningen Rhizolab (1990–2002). Plant and Soil, 272, 365-384.
  • Taylor, H., & Böhm, W. (1976). Use of Acrylic Plastic as Rhizotron Windows. Agronomy Journal, 68(4), 693-694.
  • Taylor, H. M., Upchurch, D. R., & McMichael, B. L. (1990). Applications and limitations of rhizotrons and minirhizotrons for root studies. Plant and Soil, 129, 29-35.
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