RootVision aims at picking the right roots for crop diversity

The use of diversified plant communities in agricultural fields has the potential to enhance the sustainable production of food, feed, materials, and even energy. However, achieving this requires a deeper understanding of how different plant species can co-exist and benefit from each other belowground (Figure 1).

_{Figure 1: Roots from a crop mixture}

Currently, tools for quantifying root growth do not allow for species differentiation without destructive sampling, making it challenging to study crop mixtures and their underground interactions. The RootVision project seeks to overcome these limitations by developing a new root phenotyping tool that can differentiate between species in crop mixtures using advanced spectroscopy and high detection of multiple root traits. This non-destructive approach will enable researchers to study root diversity and interactions more effectively, paving the way for more productive and sustainable agricultural practices.

RootVision will be a team-effort

Eusun Han has brought together an exceptional research team to achieve the project’s ambitious goals. Dr. Gernot Bodner (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, BOKU) and Assoc. Prof. Boris Rewald (Mendel University in Brno, MU) are internationally renowned root researchers, who will contribute to develop prediction models and statistical analytic tools for proposed approach. Prof. Uffe Jørgensen (Aarhus University, AGRO), a leading authority in grassland ecology, will provide and manage a unique multispecies context to evaluate the newly developed phenotyping tool. Additionally, Prof. Henrik Brinch-Pedersen and Ass. Prof. Claus Krogh Madsen (both Aarhus University, AGRO) will contribute cutting-edge expertise in biotechnology, utilizing digital droplet PCR to validate the methodology. Dr. Marco Lombardi (Aarhus University, AGRO) will integrate

_{Figure 2: RootVision Team}

RootVision will contribute to accelerated crop diversification

The project aims to accelerate crop diversification such as in grassland managements (Figure 3; left) and for intercropping practices (Figure 3; right).

_{Figure 3: Mixed grassland species (left; Image courtesy- Shaohui Zhang) and intercropping of intermediate wheat grass and fababean (right)}

The improved understanding of crop composition and root-root interactions under crop mixtures will enhance faster and wider adoption of crop diversification strategies by the farmers and industry, contributing to sustainable farming practices.

“By enhancing our ability to study root interactions and diversity, the RootVision project will contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development in agriculture. It aligns with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of farming and promote the efficient use of resources,”

Eusun Han, the project leader, emphasizes the importance of this research:

"Understanding the belowground interactions between different crop species is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural systems. The RootVision project will provide us with a unique tool needed to explore these interactions in greater detail and apply this knowledge to improve crop productivity and sustainability."

More information

Project Name: RootVision: Illuminating root diversity under crop mixture  
Funding: DFF-Research Project 1 – Technology and Production Sciences
Grant Recipient: Eusun Han - Aarhus University
Granted Amount: DKK 3,157,344
Contact: Eusun Han, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University. Tel.: +45 9350 8891 or mail: eusun.han@agro.au.dk