{"type": "FeatureCollection", "features": [{"id": "10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117299", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-07-26T16:16:13Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2025-04-19", "title": "Synchrotron-based 3D X-ray computed tomography reveals root system architecture: Plastic responses to phosphorus placement", "description": "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 \u2018mask\u2019 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.", "keywords": ["X-ray computed tomography", "Image segmentation", "Plant roots", "Root system architecture", "Soil phosphorus", "Science", "Q", "Root distribution", "Synchrotron"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117299"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Geoderma", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117299", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117299", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117299"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2025-05-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1093/jxb/erad421", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-07-26T16:18:14Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2023-10-26", "title": "Location: root architecture structures rhizosphere microbial associations", "description": "Abstract

Root architectural phenotypes are promising targets for crop breeding, but root architectural effects on microbial associations in agricultural fields are not well understood. Architecture determines the location of microbial associations within root systems, which, when integrated with soil vertical gradients, determines the functions and the metabolic capability of rhizosphere microbial communities. We argue that variation in root architecture in crops has important implications for root exudation, microbial recruitment and function, and the decomposition and fate of root tissues and exudates. Recent research has shown that the root microbiome changes along root axes and among root classes, that root tips have a unique microbiome, and that root exudates change within the root system depending on soil physicochemical conditions. Although fresh exudates are produced in larger amounts in root tips, the rhizosphere of mature root segments also plays a role in influencing soil vertical gradients. We argue that more research is needed to understand specific root phenotypes that structure microbial associations and discuss candidate root phenotypes that may determine the location of microbial hotspots within root systems with relevance to agricultural systems.Root architectural phenotypes are promising targets for crop breeding, but root architectural effects on microbial associations in agricultural fields are not well understood. Architecture determines the location of microbial associations within root systems, which, when integrated with soil vertical gradients, determines the functions and the metabolic capability of rhizosphere microbial communities. We argue that variation in root architecture in crops has important implications for root exudation, microbial recruitment and function, and the decomposition and fate of root tissues and exudates. Recent research has shown that the root microbiome changes along root axes and among root classes, that root tips have a unique microbiome, and that root exudates change within the root system depending on soil physicochemical conditions. Although fresh exudates are produced in larger amounts in root tips, the rhizosphere of mature root segments also plays a role in influencing soil vertical gradients. We argue that more research is needed to understand specific root phenotypes that structure microbial associations and discuss candidate root phenotypes that may determine the location of microbial hotspots within root systems with relevance to agricultural systems.