Root functional traits explain root exudation rate and composition across a range of grassland species

• Published in: The Journal of ecology Vol. 110; no. 1; pp. 21 - 33
• Main Authors: Williams, Alex, Langridge, Holly, Straathof, Angela L., Muhamadali, Howbeer, Hollywood, Katherine A., Goodacre, Royston, Vries, Franciska T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Density; Economic models; Economics; ecosystems; Environmental changes; Environmental conditions; Exploitation; Exudates; Exudation; Forbs; Functional groups; Grasslands; Herbivores; Leachates; metabolome; metabolomics; Microorganisms; nitrogen content; Nutrient uptake; Outsourcing; Phylogeny; Plant roots; Plant species; Plant tissues; plant–microbe communication; Rhizosphere; root exudates; root traits; roots; Soil; Soil microorganisms; Soils; Species; Tissue; Uptake

Plant root exudation is a crucial means through which plants communicate with soil microbes and influence rhizosphere processes. Exudation can also underlie ecosystem response to changing environmental conditions. Different plant species vary in their root exudate quantity and quality, but our under...