Visualization of Marsh Grass Roots and Rhizomes by CT imaging: VCR salt marshes, summer 2012

Computer-aided tomography and image processing previously has been used to accurately and rapidly quantify coarse root mass in coastal wetlands (Davey et al. 2011. Ecological Applications). The data in this data base are being used to develop the technique to allow for resolution of fine roots. The contribution of Spartina alterniflora roots-and-rhizomes (hereafter, roots) to soil volume is measured in VCR mainland marsh soils. Soil cores were collected several different marshes with differing soil types (mineral vs peaty). The cores were scanned by computer-aided tomography and image processing was used to determine the volume of living roots. Our results show that CT imaging may also be used to quantify coarse and fine root volume in salt marsh soils and that in peaty soils, coarse roots make an important contribution to soil volume (up to 53% of the soil volume is live roots). The dataset includes an extensive manual of methods, along with instructional videos.

此前，计算机辅助断层扫描（Computer-aided Tomography，下文简称CT）与图像处理技术已被用于精准、快速地量化滨海湿地的粗根生物量（Davey等，2011，《生态应用》（Ecological Applications））。本数据库收录的数据，正被用于开发可精准解析细根的相关技术。互花米草（Spartina alterniflora）的根与根状茎（下文简称根系）对土壤体积的贡献量，在VCR大陆盐沼土壤中得到测定。研究人员从土壤类型各异（矿质土壤与泥炭土）的多个盐沼中采集了土壤岩芯。通过计算机辅助断层扫描对岩芯进行扫描，并借助图像处理技术测定活根体积。研究结果显示，CT成像技术同样可用于量化盐沼土壤中的粗根与细根体积；且在泥炭土中，粗根对土壤体积具有重要贡献——活根占比最高可达土壤总体积的53%。本数据集包含一套详尽的方法手册与配套教学视频。