Root-Pore Interactions, the Underestimated Driver for Rhizosphere Structure and Rhizosheath Development.

ABSTRACT: Physical characteristics of rhizosphere and rhizosheath, that is, root-adhering soil, are crucial for plant performance. Yet, the drivers of the rhizosphere's structural properties and their relationships with rhizosheath development remain unclear. We used X-ray computed micro-tomography (i) to explore two drivers of rhizosphere porosity: root-induced changes vs. preferential root growth into soil with certain pore characteristics and (ii) to estimate their contributions to rhizosphere macroporosity gradients and rhizosheath formation. Rhizosheath development was assessed in relation to rhizosphere macroporosity and rhizodeposition after ¹⁴C labeling. Our results confirmed that both root-induced changes and growth preferences shape rhizosphere structure, with their relative significance d

SUBMITTER: Geers-Lucas M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12675988 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature