Background and aims Root system architecture (RSA) shapes biogeochemical concentration patterns in the rhizosphere. Root-soil studies are often conducted on plants cultivated in rectangular rhizotrons, including when using 2D hydrochemical analysis methods. However, roots naturally expand in three dimensions, with the rhizosphere extending accordingly. Three-dimensional neutron imaging can enhance interpretation of such studie...

Purpose Root growth, respiration, water uptake as well as root exudation induce biogeochemical patterns in the rhizosphere that can change dynamically over time. Our aim is to develop a method that provides complementary information on 3D root system architecture and biogeochemical gradients around the roots needed for the quantitative description of rhizosphere processes. Methods We captured for the first time the root system...