Belowground Interactions and Implications for Nutrient Use Eco-Efficiency in Cropping Systems

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Belowground interactions among plant roots, soil microorganisms, and soil biota play a pivotal role in determining the nutrient dynamics and productivity of cropping systems. These complex interactions regulate the acquisition, transformation, and cycling of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, influencing the overall eco-efficiency of nutrient use. Root exudates stimulate beneficial microbial populations, enhancing nutrient mineralization and symbiotic associations like mycorrhizal and rhizobial relationships. Such synergies improve nutrient uptake efficiency and reduce dependency on external fertilizers. Moreover, diversified cropping systems, including intercropping and crop rotations, foster positive belowground complementarity by exploiting different soil layers and nutrient pools, minimizing losses through leaching and volatilization. Understanding and managing these subterranean processes through precision agriculture, biofertilizers, and soil health monitoring can substantially enhance nutrient use eco-efficiency while mitigating environmental impacts. Ultimately, integrating ecological principles into soil–plant–microbe interactions supports sustainable intensification, improved resilience, and long-term soil fertility in modern agriculture.

#BelowgroundInteractions #NutrientUseEfficiency #CroppingSystems #SoilMicrobiome #RootEcology #SustainableAgriculture #NutrientCycling #SoilHealth #Agroecology #Mycorrhizae #RhizosphereBiology #CropRotation #Intercropping #SoilFertility #EcoEfficiency #MicrobialInteractions #SoilCarbon #PrecisionAgriculture #AgroEcosystems #PlantSoilInteractions #RootExudates #Biofertilizers #NutrientManagement #SoilBiodiversity #SustainableFarming #AgroecologicalIntensification #NutrientDynamics #SoilFunctionality #MicrobialEcology #ClimateSmartAgriculture





 

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