OPENAIRE OpenAire Sygma DOAJ Crossref Copenhagen University Research Information System European Union Open Data Portal Geoderma Open Access 2025-04-19 We used synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography (SRXCT) to visualize root distribution in soil cores. X-ray CT is emerging as a leading technique to study plant roots, but SRXCT offers potential advantages compared with conventional X-ray sources, including producing X-rays of higher intensity that are collimated, monochromatic and tuneable; delivering high-resolution data whilst avoiding issues such as beam-hardening and source divergence. We demonstrate the suitability of SRXCT for observing the root system of wheat plants growing in two soils (Calcisol and Ultisol) in response to placement of different phosphorus fertilisers. To optimize scanning quality, we tested the use of an inverse ‘mask’ in front of the soil cores to achieve a more uniform attenuation along the sample, thereby avoiding saturation of the detector along the thinnest parts of the soil cores. Secondly, we developed a deep learning approach for segmentation and quantification of root length and diameter. Our results demonstrate the use of SRXCT as a tool for studying root system architecture in soil at high spatial resolution. The SRXCT method marks a new stride towards advancing our understanding of root structures in unprecedented detail, opening further avenues for exploring plant-soil interactions. X-ray computed tomography Image segmentation Plant roots Root system architecture Soil phosphorus Science Q Root distribution Synchrotron van der Bom, Frederik J.T., Lösel, Philipp D., Kingston, Andrew M., Weng, Zhe H., Raymond, Nelly S., Maksimenko, Anton, Hausermann, Daniel, Bell, Michael J., Doolette, Casey L., Lombi, Enzo, Kopittke, Peter M., 2025-05-01 journalpaper We used synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography (SRXCT) to visualize root distribution in soil cores. X-ray CT is emerging as a leading technique to study plant roots, but SRXCT offers potential advantages compared with conventional X-ray sources, including producing X-rays of higher intensity that are collimated, monochromatic and tuneable; delivering high-resolution data whilst avoiding issues such as beam-hardening and source divergence. We demonstrate the suitability of SRXCT for observing the root system of wheat plants growing in two soils (Calcisol and Ultisol) in response to placement of different phosphorus fertilisers. To optimize scanning quality, we tested the use of an inverse ‘mask’ in front of the soil cores to achieve a more uniform attenuation along the sample, thereby avoiding saturation of the detector along the thinnest parts of the soil cores. Secondly, we developed a deep learning approach for segmentation and quantification of root length and diameter. Our results demonstrate the use of SRXCT as a tool for studying root system architecture in soil at high spatial resolution. The SRXCT method marks a new stride towards advancing our understanding of root structures in unprecedented detail, opening further avenues for exploring plant-soil interactions. Synchrotron-based 3D X-ray computed tomography reveals root system architecture: Plastic responses to phosphorus placement 10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117299 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117299 101027472