Recording, processing and analysis of grass root images from a rhizotron

To develop and test a system for computer-assisted image analysis, repeated video recordings of reed canary-grass roots (Phalaris arundinacea L.) were made in an 18-window rhizotron. The images were digitized and processed using a Unix computer and the Khoros software development environment. Two image sizes, 126 x 95 mm and 61 x 46 mm, both comprising 650 x 490 pixels, were compared. Among image processing techniques used were median filtering, segmentation and skeletonization. Root area and length in both the topsoil and subsoil were estimated using the two image sizes. The resolution (image size) strongly affected the calculated root lengths. The results were compared with root length measurements obtained manually. Statistically significant differences in root length and area in the topsoil were detected between the sampling dates using the computer-assisted methods. Possible sources of error and methods for reducing them are discussed.