PLANT ROOT LENGTH DENSITY MEASUTEMENT USING IMAGE PROCESSING

A thinning algorithm -based image analysis technique was developed to measure corn root lengths. The root length measurement method was evaluated by comparing thread lengths measured by the image analysis system with actual thread lengths. The length measurement method accurately estimated actual thread lengths (less than 2% calculated error). Also, a rapid root length density measurement procedure, which utilizes the above root length measurement method, was developed to estimate corn root length density without washing the roots. Root length densities estimated from the cut soil surface of core samples taken from the field were paired with the root length densities determined from washed roots from the same soil core sample. A linear relationship between these two values was expected and was found. Eliminating the root washing procedure reduces the time required for measuring corn root length density substantially.