Ground Penetrating Radar System and Algorithms for Fine Root Analysis

Current ground penetrating radar based root analysis techniques have been mainly targeted for coarse root analysis. In order to extend the GPR technology to fine root analysis, it is necessary to design an unconventional GPR system that provides root information in the entire area under observation with greater accuracy and penetration depth. Specialized signal/image processing algorithms applicable to fine root analysis need to be devised. In addition, a compact hardware system consisting of the GPR system integrated with the algorithms that can be readily deployed on the field is required. The proposed work will develop a GPR-based system with the accuracy and penetration depth necessary for fine root analysis. The system will be mountable on a push cart in order to collect information about root structure in an area of interest. The root analysis capabilities of the system shall include 1) real- time visualization to quickly inform the operator about the conditions of the soil 2) state-of-the-art post processing to provide the user with detailed 3D image reconstructions, root distribution information, and statistical analysis. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed GPR system offers the potential to be easily deployed by domain non-specialist with any RADAR background or expertise. As such, biologist, horticulturist, and life scientist will benefit from the successful commercialization of this technology for a variety of scientific studies and assessments, as well as a planning tool prior to development of an area.