Autonomous Flatbed root scanner [2019-2020]
Within the framework of two Bachelor theses (Forest sciences, Civil engineering) at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) this project will develop and test an RaspberryPi-based flatbed scanner system for autonomous, continuous imaging of roots and the rhizosphere (approx. 0-30 cm soil depth) in forestal and agricultural production systems.
Special emphasis will be laid on:
- low power supply (12 V, battery- and/or solar-powered, for field use)
- low costs (to allow the operation of a sufficient number of scanner systems in the field for statistical reasons)
- durability (waterproof housing, pressure and scratch resistant)
- versatility under a broad range of environmental conditions (frost, condensing, etc.)
- wireless communication for set-up, troubleshooting (and to readout images)
The function of a range of prototypes will be evaluated / demonstrated in a greenhouse experiment and in situ and timelapse movies of root system development will be created for use in teaching at BOKU.
RootScAnner Project Partners
Funding SouRce - 2018-2019
Call: Bachelor theses
Funded by: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Vienna Scientific Instruments GmbH
Funding duration: 6-9 month
References
- Dannoura, M., Y. Kominami, N. Makita, and H. Oguma. 2012. Flat Optical Scanner Method and Root Dynamics Measuring Roots. Pages 127-133 in S. Mancuso, editor. Measuring roots - An updated approach. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
- Nakahata, R., and A. Osawa. 2017. Fine root dynamics after soil disturbance evaluated with a root scanner method. Plant and Soil 419:467-487.