A Shovelomics Facelift: Exploring inexpensive and simple root phenotyping techniques in peanuts

Accurately characterizing root systems in mature, field-grown crops presents a significant challenge due to the complexity of root architecture and the limitations of existing phenotyping techniques. While recent technological advancements, such as in-situ photographing, have improved root assessment, widely accessible and cost-effective methods remain scarce. Root phenotyping in peanut is typically limited to terminal excavation or expensive, spatially constrained imaging systems. In this exploratory methods paper, we describe a simplified, low-cost approach—referred to as the 'root box method'—to visualize and characterize root architecture in peanut under controlled conditions. We document the construction and use of a box system made from widely available materials, enabling manual root washing, high-contrast imaging, and basic image-based phenotyping. We compare root metrics obtained with this system to those generated by a commercial root scanner to explore its utility as an accessible alternative for small-scale or early-stage research. While the method has clear limitations, it offers a practical starting point for observing root architectural variation in peanut genotypes. Our goal is to provide a transparent evaluation of this approach to support broader participation in root research and tool development in resource-limited contexts. Additionally, it offers significant potential for breeding, agronomy, and extension research, particularly in studies related to drought resilience, nutrient acquisition, and soil health. The root box method serves as an accessible tool for researchers, agronomists, and growers, providing critical insights into root architecture that can inform crop management strategies and improve agricultural sustainability.