Dual column chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry improves coverage of non-targeted analysis of plant root exudates.

Enhancing signal strength and analytical method stability involves removing the high ionic strength nutrient solution before sampling root exudate extracts. Despite signal intensity loss, a dual column method enhances compound coverage, particularly for small polar metabolites. Open-source software proves a viable alternative for non-targeted analysis, even surpassing proprietary software in peak picking.