Method and system for in situ measurement of root biomass and structure using acoustic waves

• Main Authors: Cocker, Eric D, Rivest, Jessica L. B, Daniel, George W, Elrod, Scott A, Rosa, Uriel A, Schwartz, David E
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 16.07.2019
• Subjects: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIRCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; MEASURING; PHYSICS; TESTING

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for accurate, field-ready, non-destructive, and three-dimensional plant root characterization using acoustic signals. The system is portable, fast, precise, and can be used in field conditions, including moist soil, to visualize root structure or mass distribution, without damaging growing crops. The system may also be applied to characterize other underground objects, such as pipes, building foundations, archaeological artifacts, or mineral ores. During operation, the system generates a source acoustic signal. The system sends the source acoustic signal to an actuator acoustically coupled directly to a plant. The system obtains a response acoustic signal from an underground transducer monitoring a root of the plant. The system analyzes the response acoustic signal according to a model and based on the source acoustic signal. The system then determines, based on the analyzed response acoustic signal, a physical configuration of the plant root.