Interactions between belowground traits and rhizosheath fungal and bacterial communities for phosphorus acquisition

1. Plant-soil microbes interactions play a central role in plant nutrient acquisition and thus ecosystem functioning and nutrient availability in agroecosystems. Adjustments in root morphology, root exudation and associations with microorganisms such as arbuscular mychorrizal fungi are common for phosphorus acquisition. Yet how plant belowground functional traits interact with microbial communities for P-acquisition remains largely unknown, limiting our understanding of phosphorus availability in agroecosystems.

2. Interactions between belowground functional traits and rhizosheath soil microbial communities for P-acquisition were investigated across eight herbaceous species with contrasting root traits. Root morphological and physiological traits involved in P-acquisition were quantified simultaneously with PLFA (phospholipid fatty acid) and NLFA (neutral lipid fatty acid) microbial bioindicators.

3. Multiple correlations were observed between root morphology, root exudates and rh...