Carbon stabilization by iron plaque on rice roots: the role of oxygen loss

The study highlights the significant role of rice root oxygen loss (ROL) in enhancing iron plaque formation and organic carbon stabilization in paddy soils. By cultivating three rice varieties with contrasting ROL intensities, it was found that higher ROL led to increased organic carbon sequestration within iron plaque, with Huanghuazhan exhibiting the greatest effect. Additionally, ROL influenced the microbial community structure, particularly increasing the abundance of iron-reducing bacteria in the rhizosphere. Consequently, selecting rice varieties with higher ROL could be a strategy to increase carbon stabilization in paddies, contributing to climate change mitigation.