Soil–Plant–Microbe Interactions in Forest Ecosystems

Dear Colleagues,

As a core competent of the terrestrial biosphere, forest ecosystems rely on complex and precise interactions between soil, plants, and microorganisms to maintain their structure and function. These interactions drive key ecological processes such as carbon and nitrogen cycling, nutrient conversion, organic matter decomposition, and plant health, profoundly influencing forest productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem responses and adaptations to global change. In recent years, breakthroughs in molecular biology, omics technologies, and microscopic imaging have enabled the scientific community to gain deeper insights into rhizospheric biogeochemical processes, microbial community assembly mechanisms, and the functions of multidimensional interaction networks.

This Special Issue aims to gather the latest national and international research findings, focusing on cutting-edge scientific questions related to soil–plant–microbe interaction interfaces in forest ecosystems. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives on the following topics (but not limited to): 1) regulatory mechanisms of rhizosphere/mycorrhizosphere microbial community structure and function influence on tree growth and health; 2) interactions and ecological effects between key functional microorganisms (such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria) and host plants; 3) microbial-driven mechanisms in litter decomposition and soil organic matter transformation; 4) adaptation and feedback of biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g., climate change, pollution, and invasive species) on interaction systems; and 5) microbial regulation-based strategies for forest ecological restoration and sustainable management. This Special Issue intends to provide a theoretical basis and innovative perspectives for deepening the understanding of belowground processes in forest ecosystems and promoting process-based forest management.

We also welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies that address methodological, technological, and ecological aspects of forest biomass modelling and its sustainable conversion to bioenergy.

Dr. Qiwu Sun
Prof. Dr. Suyan Li
Dr. Lingyu Hou
Dr. Yuhong Dong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.