Rhizolab: underground laboratory for measuring carbon dynamics in undisturbed soil communities
RhizoLab is a unique underground observation facility enabling in situ measurement of carbon sequestration, root biomass, and microbial activity in undisturbed agricultural soils. It provides direct data on below-ground processes to improve accuracy of carbon cycling models, supporting research on crop genotype effects on soil carbon dynamics.
Overview
RhizoLab is a unique underground observation laboratory designed to measure carbon dynamics in undisturbed soil communities beneath agricultural crops. Current models predicting soil carbon sequestration potential rely heavily on assumptions about below-ground processes because these are difficult to measure without disturbing the soil. RhizoLab addresses this gap by providing direct access to roots and soils underneath growing crops, enabling accurate quantification of carbon deposition, utilization, and degradation. This facility supports the scientific community and industry partners seeking improved data to parameterize carbon cycling models and evaluate crop genotype contributions to soil carbon storage.
Technical specifications
Key features of the RhizoLab facility:
- Underground observation chambers providing direct access to roots and soils beneath crops
- Glass panels for non-destructive root system imaging over time
- Removable panels enabling undisturbed gas flux measurements
- Capability for soil and root sampling without disturbing the surrounding soil structure
- Continuous monitoring of gaseous carbon fluxes for time series analysis
- Soil coring and root biomass distribution measurement at different soil depths
- Soil water extraction pattern measurement
- Microbiome analysis capabilities for characterizing fungal and bacterial communities in the rhizosheath
Research applications demonstrated:
- Crop genotype effects on rhizosheath microbiome composition in wheat
- Correlation between root tip mucilage carbohydrate exudation and microbial community structure
- Genotype-dependent root biomass distribution over depth in wheat and Festulolium
- In situ monitoring of root biomass turnover, soil respiration, and microbial biomass
Technology readiness level
The RhizoLab facility is operational and has been validated through multiple research applications. Existing studies have demonstrated its capability for microbiome analysis in contrasting wheat lines, root imaging across soil depths, and soil water extraction measurements. An exemplar case study is planned to validate the use of high biomass Festulolium varieties for enhanced long-term underground carbon contribution. The facility is available for collaborative research, pilot studies, and contract investigations supporting agricultural carbon research and model development.
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.
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