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Semiautomated X‐Y‐Plotter‐Based Method for Measuring Root Lenghts 1
Author(s) -
Wilhelm W. W.,
Norman J. M.,
Newell R. L.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1983.00021962007500010039x
Subject(s) - plotter , root (linguistics) , line (geometry) , computer science , computer graphics (images) , mathematics , geometry , philosophy , linguistics
Root‐length measurements are an important aspect of many agronomic research programs. Several automated systems have been reported which use modifications of the line‐intersect technique to estimate root length; however, most of these systems are very costly. This paper describes an inexpensive automated system using a modified line‐intersect technique to estimate root length. An X‐Y plotter was used to move a light sensor in a grid pattern through the projected photographic image of a root system, recording intersections with an event counter. Compared to manual counting using the line‐intersect technique, the system described accurately estimated root length of samples up to 10 m in length (r 2 = 0.98). The advantage of our system is that costs are reduced by using equipment that is readily available at most laboratories: X‐Y plotter and slide projector. The cost of additional items was less than $600. Each determination of root length required 50 sec. The accuracy of the system was comparable to others that are based on the line‐intersect technique.