Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryBook chapter

(2018) The Root Zone: Soil Biology and Nutrient Cycling, Springer

Singh, B.R. & Rengel, Z. (eds.)

2018

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Summary

This edited volume, published by Springer in 2018, brings together specialist contributions on the biology and biochemistry of the root zone, with a focus on how soil microbial communities mediate nutrient cycling and influence crop nutrition. Singh and Rengel, both established researchers in soil science, have assembled chapters that likely address rhizosphere ecology, root-microbe symbioses, organic matter decomposition, and implications for sustainable nutrient management. As an edited academic book, it serves primarily as a reference synthesis of contemporary research rather than a source of original experimental findings.

UK applicability

The international scope of the volume means its findings are broadly applicable to UK agricultural soils, particularly in the context of reducing synthetic fertiliser inputs and improving soil health under agri-environment schemes and post-Brexit agricultural policy frameworks.

Key measures

Nutrient cycling rates; microbial biomass and diversity; rhizosphere biochemistry; root exudate chemistry; nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrient availability

Outcomes reported

The volume examines biological and biochemical processes in the rhizosphere, including microbial community dynamics, root-microbe interactions, and the cycling of major and minor nutrients in agricultural soils. It likely synthesises current understanding of how root zone biology influences nutrient availability and plant uptake across diverse cropping contexts.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & nutrient cycling
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Book chapter
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Arable and mixed cropping systems
Catalogue ID
XL0669

Topic tags

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