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Vulnerability of mineral-organic associations in the rhizosphere

Author

Listed:
  • Tobias Bölscher

    (UMR EcoSys
    Lund University)

  • Zoe G. Cardon

    (The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory)

  • Mariela Garcia Arredondo

    (Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture)

  • Stéphanie Grand

    (University of Lausanne)

  • Gabriella Griffen

    (Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts)

  • Rachel Hestrin

    (Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts)

  • Josephine Imboden

    (University of Lausanne)

  • Floriane Jamoteau

    (University of Lausanne)

  • Emily M. Lacroix

    (University of Lausanne)

  • Sherlynette Pérez Castro

    (The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory)

  • Per Persson

    (Lund University)

  • William J. Riley

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Marco Keiluweit

    (University of Lausanne)

Abstract

The majority of soil carbon (C) is stored in organic matter associated with reactive minerals. These mineral-organic associations (MOAs) inhibit microbial and enzymatic access to organic matter, suggesting that organic C within MOAs is resistant to decomposition. However, plant roots and rhizosphere microbes are known to transform minerals through dissolution and exchange reactions, implying that MOAs in the rhizosphere can be dynamic. Here we identify key drivers, mechanisms, and controls of MOA disruption in the rhizosphere and present a new conceptual framework for the vulnerability of soil C within MOAs. We introduce a vulnerability spectrum that highlights how MOAs characteristic of certain ecosystems are particularly susceptible to specific root-driven disruption mechanisms. This vulnerability spectrum provides a framework for critically assessing the importance of MOA disruption mechanisms at the ecosystem scale. Comprehensive representation of not only root-driven MOA formation, but also disruption, will improve model projections of soil C-climate feedbacks and guide the development of more effective soil C management strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Tobias Bölscher & Zoe G. Cardon & Mariela Garcia Arredondo & Stéphanie Grand & Gabriella Griffen & Rachel Hestrin & Josephine Imboden & Floriane Jamoteau & Emily M. Lacroix & Sherlynette Pérez Castro , 2025. "Vulnerability of mineral-organic associations in the rhizosphere," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61273-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61273-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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