Electromagnetic induction for high-throughput root phenotyping and drought-tolerant crop breeding
A non-invasive field method using electromagnetic induction (EMI) to map root water uptake patterns, enabling breeders to select crop varieties with deeper rooting for improved drought tolerance and climate resilience. Validated in wheat and potato, with open-source analysis software and a low-cost carrier platform in development.
Overview
This solution applies electromagnetic induction (EMI) technology to crop root phenotyping, enabling breeders and agronomists to identify plant varieties with deeper, more active root systems for improved drought tolerance. By repurposing standard soil-mapping EMI devices, the method detects changes in soil moisture caused by root water extraction during dry periods, producing high-throughput, non-invasive maps of root activity across field plots. The approach supports selection of climate-resilient crop varieties and helps identify field zones with poor rooting performance.
Technical specifications
- Uses CMD mini-Explorer EMI sensors to measure apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) at multiple soil depths
- Baseline readings taken at field capacity, followed by fortnightly measurements throughout the growing season to track soil moisture depletion as an indicator of root activity
- Open-source EmagPy software converts EMI readings into two-dimensional profile maps of relative soil water content changes
- In development: a low-cost, lightweight, non-metallic carrier platform that allows the EMI sensor to be moved over standing crop plots without damage
- Field-tested in wheat variety comparisons and potato, with demonstrated ability to distinguish soil moisture extraction patterns between genotypes
- Operates without destructive root excavation, enabling repeated measurements on the same plots across a season
Technology readiness level
The method has been validated through published proof-of-concept studies in wheat and supported by preliminary field data in potato. A field trial comparing diverse wheat lines under rainfed and irrigated conditions is being established within the Designing Future Wheat program. Future work includes building the non-metallic carrier platform for in-season deployment, running a multi-season time-series of ECa measurements, and hosting demonstration events for breeders, agronomists, and agricultural professionals. The technology is at an advanced validation stage, ready for broader pilot deployment and breeder engagement.
About National Institute of Agricultural Botany
NIAB is an independent research organization headquartered in Cambridge, with sites across the UK, combining applied crop research with certification, advisory, and contract R&D for industry. Companies engage through co-located labs and glasshouses, a national network of replicated field trials, and a year-round demonstration farm for evaluation and private pilots. Service units provide seed and variety testing, quality assurance, and bespoke studies, while an industry-facing incubator and flexible pilot plots help move concepts to pre-commercial validation. Research is supported by competitive UK funding, including UKRI programs, alongside contract work, and a business development and IP team manages agreements, licensing, and trial confidentiality.
delivered to your inbox.