Relating Profile Wall Root-Length Density Estimates to Monolith Root-Length Density Measurements of Cover Crops

Different methods have been proposed for in situ root-length density (RLD) measurement. One widely employed is the time-consuming sampling of soil cores or monoliths (MO). The profile wall (PW) method a less precise, but faster and laborious alternative. However, depth-differentiated functions to convert PW RLD estimates MO measurements not yet reported. In this study, we perform regression analysis relate results determine whether calibration possible distinct crop groups (grasses, brassicas legumes) consisting pure mixed stands, depth affects calibration. were applied over two years all their absolute cumulative compared using linear (LR) multiple (MLR) regression. was found highly underestimate values rooted areas. close agreement between both (RL) when applying MLR, highlighting influence depth. level varied strongly with Therefore, application as main estimation can provide reliable root distribution traits cover crops.