The laboratory allows the study at high-resolution of the rhizosphere, but also of plants (physiology), non-vegetated soils and soil processes due to the presence of pedofauna.

Chemical imaging involves the use of planar optodes and the so-called DET/DGT, i.e. diffusive equilibrium/gradients in thin films. Planar optodes are used for spatial (2D) and temporal monitoring of oxygen and pH, while DET/DGTs allow to capture the spatial (2D) distribution of many nutrients and metals.

Microsensors (and micro-optodes) allow to measure temporal dynamics in a single point or spatial dynamics by the developing of profiles (1D), thanks to special micromanipulators. Microsensors measure mostly gases, such as oxygen, hydrogen and sulphides. Both techniques have a high spatial and temporal resolution, on average around 10-40 µm and 5-10 seconds.