Rhizospheric traits and plant functioning belowground

Abstract

Plant rhizosphere involving roots, soil, and microorganisms is critical for plant resource acquisition, community structure, and ecosystem functional stability. Most studies focus primarily on root traits while overlooking covariation of rhizosphere root-soil-microbe continuums and their ecological implications under environmental change. Here we highlight the necessity of integrating rhizosphere function into a broader theoretical framework of belowground functional traits. To address this, we propose a conceptual framework centered on rhizosphere, encompassing the core functional modules of roots, rhizosphere microorganisms (including mycorrhizal fungi), and soil. We further identify critical knowledge gaps and future directions for the rhizosphere function traits. This framework expands current perspectives on plant belowground functional traits and is insightful for comprehensively understanding plant adaptation and ecosystem stability under changing environments.

Keywords: Rhizosphere; belowground resource acquisition; plant functional traits; plant-microbe interactions; root economics space.