3) Dr. Anna Yudina

Dryland agriculture faces a critical paradox: intensifying production risks soil degradation, yet passive conservation risks food insecurity. Our study directly tackles this by demonstrating how preserving native soil structure (e.g., Сhernozem aggregates) can enhance water-use efficiency without external inputs. Chernozems, characterized by well-developed soil aggregates, are a prime example of an effective native soil structure that supports water retention and plant growth. By studying the structure of native steppe Chernozems, we can identify structural configurations that optimize water availability, thereby enhancing plant growth during drought periods. In a lab-based vegetation experiment using 4 × 4 cm soil microcosms, we examined the growth and drought response of wheat in soils with contrasting aggregate sizes (small, medium, and large). To analyze soil structure and root architecture, we employed X-ray computed tomography (Neoscan N80, Belgium) at a 16 µm voxel resolution. The experimental design followed standard procedures for determining the permanent wilting point of soil. Tomographic imaging was conducted three times: after planting germinated seeds in the microcosms; during the mid-growth phase, at the experiment’s conclusion (second leaf stage). We characterized the root architecture and assessed the relationship between root morphometric parameters and soil pore space. Additionally, the study refined root segmentation algorithms, a necessary advancement for broader application of this method—particularly in field conditions.