A Device for the Observation of Root Growth in the Soil

Abstract

STUDIES of root systems have in the past been accomplished by various methods of excavation in situ or by the growing of plants in specially constructed boxes which can be dismantled to allow removal of the soil. It is impossible to conduct developmental studies by this means unless a number of subjects are examined at various stages of their growth, and in any event the process is extremely laborious. In work on fruit trees at East Malling, Rogers¹ has designed observation trenches which are in the form of a walled chamber fitted with plate-glass windows. This gives a view of root lets impinging against the glass.