Tree Root Scanning

Problem Statement

Understanding root architecture is essential for assessing tree health, stability, and ecological impact. Traditional root studies rely on trenching and excavation, which are invasive, labor-intensive, and often damage the tree or surrounding environment. A non-destructive, high-resolution approach was required to visualize the spatial extent, depth, and complexity of root systems in young trees at IIT Tirupati.

Overview

A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey was carried out on four different tree species—Neem, Mango, Teak, and Eucalyptus—located within the IIT Tirupati campus. The objective was to map their root distribution and compare variations in structure and growth patterns. The survey employed a 500 MHz broadband antenna, suitable for shallow, high-resolution imaging of root networks, with a maximum depth setting of 4 meters.

Methodology

• System Configuration: A 500 MHz ultra-wideband antenna was used to balance penetration depth with high-resolution imaging for near-surface root mapping.

• Survey Design: Data were collected in a grid format with 10 cm line spacing, enabling generation of detailed 2D profiles and depth-slice images of the root zone.

• Processing Workflow: Standard GPR data processing steps, including dewow filtering, background removal, migration, and amplitude/depth-slice analysis, were applied to highlight root structures and their spatial patterns.
  
  

Key Findings

• Complex Root Networks: All four tree species exhibited dense and intricate root systems, with lateral roots spreading extensively within the top 2 meters.

• Neem Tree: Produced a unique depth-slice pattern, showing vertically oriented strong root signatures extending deeper than other species, suggesting robust anchorage development.

• Mango Tree: Displayed a balanced root distribution with both lateral and vertical components, typical of fruit-bearing species in early growth stages.

• Teak Tree: Showed relatively linear and directional root growth, possibly influenced by soil stratigraphy.

• Eucalyptus Tree: Demonstrated an extensive lateral root network dominating the upper 1.5 meters, aligning with its fast-growing nature.

• Depth Variability: Root reflections were visible up to the 4 m survey depth, although most strong responses were concentrated between 0.5–2.5 m.

• Anomalous Zones: Areas of high-amplitude reflections suggested zones of root clustering or soil heterogeneity influenced by root activity.
  
  

Engineering & Ecological Impact

• Provided non-destructive mapping of root systems, supporting ecological and campus landscape management.

• Helped compare root distribution among different species, valuable for urban forestry and stability assessments.

• Identified unique Neem root patterns that may inform species-specific growth studies.

• Demonstrated the potential of GPR for tree health monitoring, soil–root interaction studies, and ecological research without harming vegetation.
  
  

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of 500 MHz GPR for root mapping in younger trees, with 10 cm line spacing ensuring high-resolution detection of root complexity. The comparative assessment of Neem, Mango, Teak, and Eucalyptus revealed distinct root growth patterns, with Neem exhibiting particularly unique depth-slice features. GPR proves to be a powerful, non-invasive tool for studying below-ground biomass, offering significant benefits for forestry, urban planning, and ecological research.