Cornell University

Pot-in pot research site at Blue Grass Lane research facility, Cornell University.

The Cornell team's first year objectives were to:

1. Investigate and characterize ten ornamental tree and shrub species for root development patterns in containerized systems using standardized soil media.
2. Develop a non-destructive” technique to monitor temporal tree root systems including horizontal and vertical roots in order to reconstruct a 3D model of root system development.
3. Meet with growers of containerized nursery stock to determine normal management practices and then to emulate nursery layout and design on a smaller scale at Cornell in order to provide the most accurate account of tree root growth.

Example of tree root scanning using a Toshiba Aquillion 16-slice large-bore Computerized Tomography Unit

Ten common ornamental tree and shrub species were chosen for research on root development and shipped to Cornell in the same soil as used at Wiiloway nursery.   

A plot was established with 4 replicates of each treespecies using the same spacing and irrigation practices as found at Willoway nursery (pictured above).

X-ray computer tomography technology trials at the Cornell University Veterinarian College from sample trees (pictured at left).

The X-ray computer tomography results were evaluated for resolution and size capacity to ensure reproducible data sets would be obtained from sample trees (pictured at right).