Abstract
Root systems represent a source of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that may significantly contribute to the atmospheric VOC emissions from agroecosystems and shape soil microbial activity. To gain deeper insights into the role of roots in the VOC emissions from crops, we developed a dynamic chamber with isolated aboveground and belowground compartments, allowing for simultaneous measurements of VOC fluxes from both compartments in controlled conditions. We continuously monitored VOC emissions from intact plants of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) i) over 24 h when plants were rooted in soil, and ii) over 6 h following soil removal. The measurements were performed using a highly sensitive Proton Transfer Reaction - Time of Flight - Mass Spectrometer and a Thermic Desorption- Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometer. Net VOC emissions measured at the soil surface represented 5 % of the aboveground emissions and were higher during the day than at night. However, when soil was removed, belowground VOC emissions became up to two times higher than aboveground emissions. This large increase in VOC emissions from roots observed after soil removal was almost exclusively due to methanol emissions. Differences in VOC composition between plant species were also detected with and without soil: rapeseed emitted more sulphurous and nitrogenous compounds and tomato more mono- and poly-unsaturated hydrocarbons. Our results suggest that roots may be a largely underestimated VOC source and that the soil is a strong sink for root-borne methanol. Root VOC emissions should be considered when agricultural practices involve roots excavation.