Author
Listed:
- Cai Li
(Chinese Academy of Sciences)
- Hu Sheng
(Chinese Academy of Sciences)
- Mengxi Tan
(Zhejiang University)
- Hengyi Dai
(Zhejiang University)
- Xiaolong Wang
(Chinese Academy of Sciences)
- Huacheng Xu
(Chinese Academy of Sciences)
- Shiming Ding
(Southeast University)
- Guoqiang Zhao
(Chinese Academy of Sciences)
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) availability is vital for global primary productivity, yet it is often immobilized in soils by redox-inert crystalline iron (oxy)hydroxides. Here we show that diel radial oxygen loss (ROL) from plant roots induces redox fluctuations in the rhizosphere, activating these iron minerals and enhancing P mobilization. Nighttime reduction and daytime oxidation drive the formation of reactive metastable iron phases (RMPs) on root surfaces, forming a redox-active iron plaque. These RMPs undergo rapid dissolution–reformation cycles, facilitating P transfer from soil to porewater for plant uptake. Using multiple aquatic plants from agriculturally developed regions, we demonstrate that ROL broadly enhances soil P availability. In rice paddies, ROL-activated P release accounts for 8.7% of global P fertilizer input, contributing an estimated economic value of USD 0.52 billion annually. Our findings uncover a previously overlooked redox mechanism by which plants enhance P acquisition, with broad implications for nutrient cycling and agricultural sustainability.
Suggested Citation
Cai Li & Hu Sheng & Mengxi Tan & Hengyi Dai & Xiaolong Wang & Huacheng Xu & Shiming Ding & Guoqiang Zhao, 2025.
"Rhythmic radial oxygen loss enhances soil phosphorus bioavailability,"
Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
Handle:
RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59637-x
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59637-x
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