3 Rhizosphere interactions: Biogeochemical processes at the root-soil interface

Chair: Johanna Pausch

Thursday, 14:00-15:00,

Interactions between plants and microbial communities in the rhizosphere perform vital ecological soil functions such as C turnover and C sequestration, nutrient mobilization, aggregate formation, regulation of water flux. Most of the biogeochemical and physical differences between the rhizosphere and the surrounding soil are caused by the release of rhizodeposits, i.e. highly bioavailable, low-molecular weight organic substrates originating from exudates, lysates, and from mucilage. Rhizodeposition is a key driver for microbial-mediated processes in soil and a major link between above- and belowground processes.

New insights into rhizosphere functioning will promote a more comprehensive understanding of how plants control their environment. Researchers investigating C pools and fluxes in the rhizosphere, biochemical characteristics of the rhizosphere, and exchange of C and nutrients between plants, microorganisms and soil compartments are cordially invited to join this session.