Methods for measuring root traits in the field

Root systems, along with their interactions with soil micro-organisms, are crucial for crop performance, mainly through the efficient capture of water and nutrients. These root traits significantly enhance crop resilience against climate change. However, measuring root systems is more labor-intensive compared to the above-ground parts of plants. Four methods – minirhizotron, soil pit, soil coring and shovelomics – were evaluated to assess their capacity to measure root traits in different crops and their accessibility. This factsheet provides an overview of these four methods.