Rhizosphere Dynamics under Global Change

Dear Colleagues,

The main components of anthropogenic global change will affect the carbon (C) sink strength and biogeochemistry of the terrestrial vegetation. Forest soils currently represent net sinks for anthropogenic C, but the degree to which they will persist as C sinks in the wake of rising atmospheric CO₂ and temperature, summer droughts, and intensified management is uncertain. It has been suggested that the fate of these sinks hinges on plant‑microbe interactions in the rhizosphere, where plants provide C as an energy subsidy to fuel microbes to convert nutrients to plant-available forms via a microbial priming effect.

The aim of this Special Issue is to analyze the importance of rhizosphere dynamics for forest responses to global change. I invite manuscripts at the interface of the fields of root, mycorrhiza, and soil ecology; biogeochemistry; and belowground biodiversity. I encourage reports on the development of new methods and cutting-edge research, which can improve our ability to include rhizosphere dynamics in models that predict the consequences of climate and land-use change for biogeochemical cycles and forest functioning.

Dr. Ina C. Meier
Guest Editor

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