Root Scans to Document Fertilizer Response

The rhizotron project was initiated to visually examine the response of roots to fertilizer management with two main objectives: (1) in situ classroom demonstration of root growth as influenced by nutrients and (b) creating time-lapse videos of root growth for posting on the internet for wide spread distribution. The rhizotron project has been integrated as the laboratory experience for a crop physiology class taught at Brigham Young University-Idaho and is currently in its fifth semester (total of 60 students have been involved). Between teaching sessions, the rhizotrons have been used to conduct undergraduate research projects. The rhizotron project has been an excellent teaching, learning and research tool for all who have been involved and have inspired several of the participating students to pursue graduate school in plant nutrition-related disciplines.

Student’s involvement in the project has been key to its success. As part of the class experience, students design their own research project using the rhizotrons. Student projects have include a wide variety of crops (alfalfa, wheat, barley, corn, soybeans, and potatoes), and fertilizer treatments (fertilizer rate, placement and interactions). The rhizotron has been a motivating teaching tool and has facilitated students’ understanding of root growth and fertilizer response.

A videographer student was hired in the fall of 2012 to create time-lapse videos of root growth. The videographer assisted agronomy students in setting up the rhizotrons. Fertilizer treatments consisted of type, amount, and placement of fertilizer. Each rhizotron was programmed to take a root scan every 15 minutes for 10 days. The scans were used to create time-lapse videos that have been posted to YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/IPNISIRI). The videos are used in classrooms to demonstrate root response to fertilizer. Funds from IPNI were used to purchase equipment and pay student wages. In 2012, two students have been employed to manage the project and produce videos and images. Additional images and videos are currently being produced. ID-11