Biogeochemical Element Cycling in Plant–Soil Systems: Implications for Ecosystem Dynamics and Services

Dear Colleagues,

Biogeochemical element cycling in plant–soil systems is fundamental for ecosystem dynamics and services. In general, the term ‘ecosystem dynamics’ describes changes in ecosystem structures caused by interactions of organisms with the external environment in an ecosystem. Ecosystem services include all ecosystem functions that are useful to humans like pollination, climate stabilization, or biomass production. In terrestrial ecosystems, plants represent the main primary producers of biomass (organic compounds) and oxygen through photosynthesis. In soils, myriads of micro- and macro-organisms recycle elements, maintaining soil fertility, which is essential for plant growth and corresponding ecosystem services. The knowledge of how these organisms and plants interact is crucial to understand ecosystem dynamics and services in general. Nowadays, terrestrial ecosystems and their services are strongly affected by global change, which represents a grand challenge for ecosystem management and policy. We are inviting research studies and review articles dealing with all aspects of biogeochemical element cycling in plant–soil systems and its implications for ecosystem dynamics and services. In this context, this Special Issue focuses on, but not limited to, the following research questions:

• How does biogeochemical element (e.g., silicon, carbon, or nitrogen) cycling influence terrestrial ecosystem dynamics and services?
• How do hetero- and autotrophic organisms interact in biogeochemical element cycling in plant–soil systems?
• How does global change affect biogeochemical element cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and what consequences does this have for ecosystem dynamics and services?
• How can ecosystem management and policy help to mitigate the effects of global change on biogeochemical element cycling and corresponding ecosystem dynamics and services?

Manuscripts regarding theoretical approaches, controlled field and/or laboratory experiments, and studies on non-manipulated terrestrial ecosystems are welcome. The aim of this Special Issue is to substantially deepen our understanding of biogeochemical element cycling in plant–soil systems and its effects on ecosystem dynamics and services in a changing world.

Dr. Daniel Puppe
Prof. Dr. Wajid Zaman
Guest Editors

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