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Experimental platforms for the investigation of spatiotemporal patterns in the rhizosphere—Laboratory and field scale
Author(s) -
Vetterlein Doris,
Lippold Eva,
Schreiter Susanne,
Phalempin Maxime,
Fahrenkampf Toni,
Hochholdinger Frank,
Marcon Caroline,
Tarkka Mika,
Oburger Eva,
Ahmed Mutez,
Javaux Mathieu,
Schlüter Steffen
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of plant nutrition and soil science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1522-2624
pISSN - 1436-8730
DOI - 10.1002/jpln.202000079
Subject(s) - rhizosphere , scale (ratio) , sampling (signal processing) , field (mathematics) , environmental science , set (abstract data type) , computer science , root (linguistics) , biochemical engineering , biological system , mathematics , biology , engineering , cartography , geography , bacteria , genetics , pure mathematics , programming language , linguistics , philosophy , filter (signal processing) , computer vision
The numerous feedback loops between roots, microorganisms, soil chemical and physical properties, and environmental variables result in spatial parameter patterns which are highly dynamic in time. In order to improve our understanding of the related rhizosphere processes and their relevance at the soil–plant system scale, experimental platforms are required. Those platforms should enable (1) to relate small scale observations (nm to dm) to system behaviour, (2) the integration of physical, chemical and biological sampling approaches within the same experiment, and (3) sampling at different time points during the life cycle of the system in question. Here we describe what requirements have to be met and to what extent this has been achieved in practice by the experimental platforms which were set up within the framework of DFG priority programme 2089 “Rhizosphere Spatiotemporal Organisation—a key to rhizosphere functions”. It is discussed to what extent theoretical considerations could be accommodated, in particular for the comparison across scales, i.e ., from laboratory to field scale. The latter scale is of utmost importance to overcome the trade‐off between fraction of life cycle covered and the avoidance of unrealistic root length densities.