Traceable Calibration, Performance Metrics, and Uncertainty Estimates of Minirhizotron Digital Imagery for Fine-Root Measurements

摘要: Even though fine-root turnover is a highly studied topic, it often poorly understood as result of uncertainties inherent in its sampling, e.g., quantifying spatial and temporal variability. While many methods exist to quantify turnover, use minirhizotrons has increased over the last two decades, making sensor errors another source uncertainty. Currently, no standardized methodology exists test compare minirhizotron camera capability, imagery, performance. This paper presents reproducible, laboratory-based method by which cameras can be tested validated traceable manner. The performance characteristics was identified criteria were developed: we quantified precision location for successive images, estimated trueness each camera's ability root diameter color, also assessed influence heat dissipation introduced electrical components. We report detailed defensible metrology analyses that examine commercially available cameras. These performed differently with regard various uncertainty analyses. recommend approach determine sensor-related measurement prior field use. extensible other digital imagery technologies. In turn, these approaches facilitate greater understanding (signal-to-noise ratio) allow such mitigated so estimates more confidently quantified.