Summary
This global meta-analysis of 7606 observations from 3803 paired rhizosphere–bulk soil samples demonstrates that whilst fertilisation similarly enhances chemical properties in both compartments, the rhizosphere exhibits substantially greater resistance to change. The rhizosphere's stability stems from root inputs sustaining microbial community composition, stronger microbial control of chemical properties, and larger gaps in response variability compared to bulk soil. These findings suggest that microbial processes in the rhizosphere provide a buffering mechanism against fertilisation-induced soil property shifts.
UK applicability
The findings are applicable to UK farming contexts, particularly in arable and grassland systems where mineral and organic fertiliser use is widespread. However, UK-specific validation would be valuable given the study's global scope, which may obscure regional differences in soil type, climate, and management practices that influence rhizosphere functioning.
Key measures
Response of chemical properties (21% change in rhizosphere, 18% in bulk soil); microbiological properties (microbial biomass and enzyme activities); response slopes and resistance indices; response variability; heterogeneity reduction
Outcomes reported
The study quantified how chemical and microbiological properties of rhizosphere and bulk soil respond to mineral and organic fertiliser application across multiple ecosystem types. It assessed response variability, resistance mechanisms, and stability differences between rhizosphere and bulk soil using global paired-sample data.
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