Roots under pressure: Researchers uncover secrets of root growth!

Roots under pressure: Researchers uncover secrets of root growth!

In August 2025, researchers at the Technical University of Braunschweig, in collaboration with the Research Center Jülich (FZJ), launched a groundbreaking interdisciplinary project dedicated to the growth of root networks. Small locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia) were repotted in a specially equipped MRI laboratory at the Institute of Life and Geosciences in order to examine the complex processes under different conditions. The aim of the pilot study is to significantly improve the understanding of plant-soil interactions and the effects of environmental factors on root growth tu-braunschweig.de.

The research focuses particularly on how dry periods affect root growth and the surrounding soil. Ultimately, root systems are crucial for the water absorption of plants, their anchoring in the soil and the storage of water in the soil. The study also examines different tree species, such as oaks and poplars, to quantify their responses to drought. This is intended to improve future models of the root-soil-water system and enable predictions of plant reactions under changed environmental conditions.

Technological innovations for root observation

Modern imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), are used for the pilot study. These technologies make it possible to make roots, soil, water and air visible. 4D imaging data obtained as part of the project shows root development in different soil types, under both normal and dry conditions. Another aspect of the investigation is the formation of root nodules in robinias, which enter into a symbiosis with rhizobia and thus make nitrogen available to the plant.

The CT scans already provide insights into the growth of nodules and the root network in sandy soils, while the MRI evaluations optimize the visualization of water-containing roots. This comprehensive picture of root development is crucial to understanding how trees respond to drought and what adaptive strategies they use.

The role of microbes and sustainable agriculture

The health and growth of plants are also greatly influenced by microorganisms. Studies show that the targeted use of microbes in agriculture has potential to overcome challenges such as yield depression or soil fatigue. One example is the Rhizo4Bio project, which deals with the remoteness of yield depression in wheat. It was found that monocultures significantly reduce the diversity of the soil microbiome, which has negative effects on yields, such as bioekonomie.de reported.

Additionally, the importance of mycorrhizal fungi, which promote root development, is highlighted. These fungi interact closely with plant roots and contribute to the supply of nutrients. More than 80 percent of all land plants form natural compounds with these microbes.

Sustainable fertilizers and a look into the future

Intensive agriculture and excessive use of phosphate fertilizers lead to ecological problems. The Botanical Institute of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is researching the molecular mechanisms of these interactions under the direction of Natalia Requena. The results are intended to help promote sustainable approaches in agriculture and deepen the understanding of the role of microbes, such as kit.edu shows.

The combined findings from the current research projects will not only expand our knowledge of the interaction between plants and microbes, but also provide fundamental foundations for sustainable practices and food security in the future.