From rhizosphere to detritusphere – Soil structure formation driven by plant roots and the interactions with soil biota

Summary

Roots and the associated soil directly affected by root activity, termed the rhizosphere, have both been extensively studied and recognized for their crucial role in soil functioning. The formation of the rhizosphere is primarily driven by the effect of roots on shaping the physical structure of the soil, which in turn has direct feedbacks on the interactions between physical, biological and chemical processes. As a result, the rhizosphere is a hot spot for microbial activity, cycling of nutrients and turnover of organic matter. Despite the pivotal role of soil structure in controlling rhizosphere processes, we still lack a quantitative description and understanding of the interrelationships of root-systems and soil in the creation and stabilization of soil structure. We provide a comprehe