Investigating tree root-soil interactions
Project summary
The project aims to investigate the interaction between tree roots and the soil, in both natural and anthropic environments using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.
The effects of soil characterisation and performance optimisation on tree growth will be investigated as well as the effects of soil vibration and compaction on the overall growth and functioning of different plants.
About the project
Root system health is strictly related to the soil environment. Aside from serving as a substrate for anchorage, the soil provides water, minerals and oxygen, all of which are essential for root development. To that effect, root function and development can be severely impaired in soils where these resources are limited.
Root growth is commonly limited by drought, waterlogging, hypoxia, soil compaction, salinity and high concentrations of heavy metals. In this complex subsurface environment, it is necessary to identify technologies and equipment to effectively detect and map tree roots.
Destructive methods only produce a description of the root system at the time of sampling and are of limited value in terms of investigating the development processes. These techniques are also intrusive to the area of investigation and might affect the surrounding environment.
The use of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods in preserving natural heritage, especially ancient trees, has increased in recent years. Across the available NDT methods, ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology has proved to be one of the most effective tools for investigating root-soil interactions. This is due to its high versatility, the high speed with which it collects data and its ability to provide reliable results at relatively limited costs.
Early research by the proposing team using GPR, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and a falling weight deflectometer (FWD) has produced promising results within the context of soil characterisation in terms of moisture content, compaction and mineralogy.
The main objectives of this research project will be:
- to develop effective soil system health monitoring and assessment methodologies, for the optimisation of tree root-soil interactions within natural and anthropic environments
- to develop more comprehensive GPR, ERT and FWD data processing and interpretation techniques.
Impact
A knowledge gap has been identified around the interaction of tree roots and the soil, in terms of tree growth and preventing tree decay. The results of this study will develop tree health monitoring methodologies and identify an optimal combination of physical and performance parameters, such as:
- moisture content
- the compaction and mineralogy of soils
- controlling the interaction between roots and soil.
A better knowledge of the interaction between tree roots and soil will allow an increased understanding of the effects of vibration and compaction on tree growth.
The research team
- Professor Amir Alani
- Professor Fabio Tosti
- Dr Lilong Zou
- Dr Livia Lantini
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