Interplay Between Root Structure and Function in Enhancing Efficiency of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Acquisition

Ensuring future food security and resource sustainability: insights into the rhizosphere

“…Root growth exerts a high pressure on surrounding soil as the growing root tips push their way through (Bengough et al, 2011;Jin et al, 2013;Shen et al, 2021b). As a consequence, it is generally thought that the porosity is lower and the average pore size smaller in the rhizosphere compared with the bulk soil (Aravena et al, 2011).…”

“…Mucilage also lubricates the soil to prevent desiccation, most notably by binding soil particles together to form aggregates that improve soil quality by increasing water infiltration and aeration (Galloway et al, 2020;Hinsinger et al, 2009;McNear Jr, 2013;Traore ´et al, 2000). In addition, as roots grow, interactions among root exudates, microbial activity, and changes in soil water potential can significantly alter soil structure (Hinsinger et al, 2009;Shen et al, 2021b;Wang et al, 2020b), resulting in similar or higher porosity and larger pore sizes in the rhizosphere than bulk soil (Whalley et al, 2005). However, the mechanisms of root exudates affecting soil structure, and specifically mucilage-bound soil particles, remain to be elucidated further.…”

“…Soil porosity and mechanical resistance profoundly affect the growth and development of roots in soil (Jin et al, 2017;Shen et al, 2021b). Soil contains biological and abiotic pores of various sizes, but how roots sense and find these pores remains unknown.…”