Dr. Isaac Madsen Has X-Ray Vision

Wouldn't it be nice if we could see how the roots of a plant respond to treatments?  Dr. Isaac Madsen, Extension Agronomist at Washington State University, teaches us about the innovative work he as been doing with scanner technology and root observation. What is the advantage of looking at roots instead of at the shoots? What crops can we do this with? What do we learn from these observations? Are there other forms of nitrate-based fertilizers that eliminate the NH4-induced root damage? What is the interest in oil seed crops in the Pacific Northwest? Check out Dr. Madsen's Youtube channel to see some of the scans!