Research Question: Can ERT discriminate between plant species in real field conditions?
Field Experimental Campaign:
- Multi-season ERT surveys across 6 grassland species (alfalfa, red clover, chicory, plantain, ryegrass, fescue)
- Controlled water deficit experiment (ForDrought project)
- Integration with TDR sensors for soil moisture validation
- Repeated 3D ERT measurements during drying cycles
Method: Run synthetic forward models to test what should happen, then compare to observations.
Finding: Successfully discriminated 5 grass species based on their electrical-hydraulic fingerprints. Species-specific depletion zones were clearly visible and statistically significant.
Publications:
- Plant and Soil (2020)
- Field data supported by Région Wallonne (ForDrought D31-1341)
Thesis Chapters: 5 & 6 Collaborations: Prof. Sarah Garré, Dr. Florian Wagner (RWTH Aachen), Dr. Nolwenn Lesparre (Strasbourg)