The ROOTS Project is an ARPA-E funded project (and a branch of the larger ARPA-E project called SUBTERRA) that aims to develop high throughput phenotyping techniques, increase our understanding of the genetics of complex traits in maize, and investigate the genetics of carbon sequestration in maize roots. A multi-year field experiment was carried out using a maize variety panel to assess their response to drought conditions. We collected an assortment of phenotypic data in order to investigate the effects of drought on maize. What we are most interested in, however, is the behavior of the root system and how it responds to drought conditions. We are interested in the root systems because they contain large amounts of carbon and because the root systems remain in the soil even after the maize is harvested. These factors could play a major role in combating atmospheric carbon emission recovery and ultimately sequestration. To study the root systems, we implemented large scale Root Pulling Force events in which we collected data for the force required to remove the plant from the ground. The extracted root systems are then processed further and many more phenotypes are collected. By identifying and understanding phenotypes of interest that can improve carbon sequestration, we hope to provide the world with the knowledge it needs in order to begin using plants to combat atmospheric carbon accumulation. 

Although Dr. John McKay and his team lead the efforts in the ROOTS Project, the larger SUBTERRA Project consists of collaborators around the country that are all working on different issues pertaining to climate change mitigation efforts. You can find out more about the SUBTERRA project by following this link: https://www.subterra.org/