Electrical Measurement of Root Mass and Root Location

  • 32 pages

  • Published: 1 Apr 2008

  • Author(s): Ellis, T, Feher, K, Murray, W, Paul, K, Brophy, J

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This report investigates two electrical methods for the measurement of roots, which have previously shown promise for the development of rapid non-destructive techniques for use by researchers or plant breeders. We show that: 1) low frequency (kHz range) capacitance measurements can be indicative of the mass and length of the root systems of eucalypts; and 2) roots can transmit detectable high frequency (MHz range) signals over short distances (~ 1 metre). The use of the latter, however, appears limited by the relative electromagnetic properties of soil and roots.