Challenges in imaging and predictive modeling of rhizosphere processes

authored by

T. Roose, S. D. Keyes, K. R. Daly, A. Carminati, W. Otten, D. Vetterlein, S. Peth

Abstract

Background: Plant-soil interaction is central to human food production and ecosystem function. Thus, it is essential to not only understand, but also to develop predictive mathematical models which can be used to assess how climate and soil management practices will affect these interactions. Scope: In this paper we review the current developments in structural and chemical imaging of rhizosphere processes within the context of multiscale mathematical image based modeling. We outline areas that need more research and areas which would benefit from more detailed understanding. Conclusions: We conclude that the combination of structural and chemical imaging with modeling is an incredibly powerful tool which is fundamental for understanding how plant roots interact with soil. We emphasize the need for more researchers to be attracted to this area that is so fertile for future discoveries. Finally, model building must go hand in hand with experiments. In particular, there is a real need to integrate rhizosphere structural and chemical imaging with modeling for better understanding of the rhizosphere processes leading to models which explicitly account for pore scale processes.

External Organisation(s)

University of Southampton
University of Göttingen
Abertay University
Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health
University of Kassel

Type

Review article

Journal

Plant and soil

Volume

407

Pages

9-38

No. of pages

30

ISSN

0032-079X

Publication date

01.10.2016

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Soil Science, Plant Science

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 2 - Zero Hunger, SDG 13 - Climate Action

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-016-2872-7 (Access: Open)