Plant phosphorus-acquisition and -use strategies affect soil carbon cycling. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ding, Wenli; Cong, Wen-Feng; Lambers, Hans
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 36:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 899
• Page End: 906
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: nitrogen mineralisation -- phosphorus acquisition -- phosphorus utilisation -- priming -- soil organic matter decomposition; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.06.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : Increased anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition is driving N-limited ecosystems towards phosphorus (P) limitation. Plants have evolved strategies to respond to P limitation which affect N cycling in plant‐soil systems. A comprehensive understanding of how plants with efficient P‐acquisition or ‐use strategies influence carbon (C) and N cycling remains elusive. We highlight how P‐acquisition/-use strategies, particularly the release of carboxylates into the rhizosphere, accelerate soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and soil N mineralisation by destabilising aggregates and organic‐mineral associations. We advocate studying the effects of P-acquisition/-use strategies on SOM formation, directly or through microbial turnover. Highlights: In response to low P availability, plants have evolved a variety of P‐acquisition/‐use strategies. These may affect N cycling by influencing SOM turnover. Two microbial strategies (N-mining and co-metabolism) have been proposed to explain microbially mediated priming effects. We suggest that priming should be explained from the perspective of the capacity of a plant to acquire or utilise P under low-P conditions. Efficient P‐acquisition/-use strategies may change N cycling by affecting SOM decomposition. For example, a highly efficient P-mobilising strategy, carboxylate release, may destabilise aggregates and organic‐mineral associations through chelation of metals (such as Fe, Al) and then accelerate SOM decomposition; flavonoids may work in a similar way. Efficient P‐acquisition/-use strategies may affect SOM formation directly or indirectly through microbial turnover.