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Semiautomated X-Y-Plotter-Based Method for Measuring Root Lenghts¹

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 (r² = 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.

Key Words: Newman technique • Line-intersect method

² Plant physiologist, USDA, ARS; professor, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583; and agronomist, Vistron Corp., 3 Henson Place, Champaign, IL 61820 (former graduate student, (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE).

Received for publication February 10, 1982.