In this study, we investigated the impact of three wheat genotypes — Paragon, Senatore Cappelli, and Watkins238 — on soil pore structure. X-ray tomography, known for its nondestructive and detailed imaging capabilities, offers significant potential for studying soil and root structures We examined root architectures using shovelomics and analyzed images of the wheat root system with[JK1] Rhizovision Explorer. Root traits (total root length, number of root tips, root holes, shallow angle frequency, steep angle frequency, and average root diameter) were evaluated using a mixed linear model to identify differences in root system architecture between the genotypes. In addition, undisturbed soil samples were collected using aluminum cylinders and subsequently analyzed via X-ray tomography. The morphology of the imaged pore systems was examined at two scales: an undisturbed cylinder of 2 dm³ and an aggregate of 2 cm³. Post-hoc comparisons revealed significant differences between the genotypes for several traits, including average root diameter, total root length, and shallow angle frequency and different impact of this traits on soil physical properties. The X-ray data indicated that the three wheat genotypes had a similar effect on soil structure, while significant differences were observed when comparing non-cultivated soil (control) with soil from the rhizosphere. The analysis of bioporosity in the undisturbed cylinders revealed greater porosity due to root elongation in wheat-cultivated plots compared to controls. Morphological parameters describing bioporosity showed lower values for the Watkins238. Pore size distribution analysis indicated that the genotype Senatore Cappelli demonstrated a wider range of diameters produced by its bioporosity. Pairwise comparisons between root traits and soil properties revealed strong significances, particularly related to the number of root tips and root angle, suggesting that these root characteristics may have a more pronounced influence on soil physical properties. These findings highlight the significant role of specific root traits in influencing soil physical properties, underscoring the potential of targeted root trait selection in improving soil structure.
Dimattia, B.G., Righi, A., Bettuzzi, M., Koestel, J., Morigi, M.P., Salvi, S., et al. (2024). USE OF X-RAY TOMOGRAPHY TO INVESTIGATE THE IMPACT OF WHEAT CULTIVARS ON SOIL MORPHOLOGY.
USE OF X-RAY TOMOGRAPHY TO INVESTIGATE THE IMPACT OF WHEAT CULTIVARS ON SOIL MORPHOLOGY
DIMATTIA B. G.;RIGHI A.;BETTUZZI M.;MORIGI M. P.;SALVI S.
;TUBEROSA R.;MACCAFERRI M.
;BITTELLI M.
2024
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the impact of three wheat genotypes — Paragon, Senatore Cappelli, and Watkins238 — on soil pore structure. X-ray tomography, known for its nondestructive and detailed imaging capabilities, offers significant potential for studying soil and root structures We examined root architectures using shovelomics and analyzed images of the wheat root system with[JK1] Rhizovision Explorer. Root traits (total root length, number of root tips, root holes, shallow angle frequency, steep angle frequency, and average root diameter) were evaluated using a mixed linear model to identify differences in root system architecture between the genotypes. In addition, undisturbed soil samples were collected using aluminum cylinders and subsequently analyzed via X-ray tomography. The morphology of the imaged pore systems was examined at two scales: an undisturbed cylinder of 2 dm³ and an aggregate of 2 cm³. Post-hoc comparisons revealed significant differences between the genotypes for several traits, including average root diameter, total root length, and shallow angle frequency and different impact of this traits on soil physical properties. The X-ray data indicated that the three wheat genotypes had a similar effect on soil structure, while significant differences were observed when comparing non-cultivated soil (control) with soil from the rhizosphere. The analysis of bioporosity in the undisturbed cylinders revealed greater porosity due to root elongation in wheat-cultivated plots compared to controls. Morphological parameters describing bioporosity showed lower values for the Watkins238. Pore size distribution analysis indicated that the genotype Senatore Cappelli demonstrated a wider range of diameters produced by its bioporosity. Pairwise comparisons between root traits and soil properties revealed strong significances, particularly related to the number of root tips and root angle, suggesting that these root characteristics may have a more pronounced influence on soil physical properties. These findings highlight the significant role of specific root traits in influencing soil physical properties, underscoring the potential of targeted root trait selection in improving soil structure.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
