rhizoboxes

Rhizoboxes are transparent growth containers used to study plant root systems in soil under controlled conditions. They typically consist of a rectangular frame filled with soil or a defined substrate and a transparent viewing surface, usually glass or clear plastic, through which roots can be observed as they grow. Many designs place the viewing surface on one side to create a two-dimensional plane for root spread, while others use multiple windows or a thin front panel to maximize visibility.

Construction and variants vary, but common features include a front viewing window for imaging roots, a sealed or semi-sealed structure to maintain moisture, and provisions for soil packing, irrigation, or nutrient delivery. Some rhizoboxes incorporate perforated partitions or mesh to encourage a particular root orientation or to separate a sampling layer from the main soil column. They are used in greenhouse, growth chamber, and field-adjacent studies, sometimes with additional labeling or staining to enhance root visualization.

Applications focus on root architecture and dynamics, including measurements of root length density, depth distribution, and branching patterns. Researchers use rhizoboxes to examine responses to gradients of water, nutrients, salinity, or soil texture, as well as interactions with beneficial or pathogenic microbes. Imaging methods such as time-lapse photography, digital scanning, or fluorescence can be employed to quantify growth over time.

Limitations include potential artificial bias from 2D root growth along the viewing surface and from container constraints on soil structure, moisture, and aeration. Results from rhizobox studies are most informative when interpreted alongside other root-trait measurement approaches. Related devices include rhizotrons and minirhizotrons.