Elements Cycling and Plants’ Physiological Characteristics: A Soil–Plant–Atmosphere Continuum Perspective

Dear Colleagues,

The cycling of essential elements, such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as non-essential elements, including magnesium and calcium, is the foundation of life in natural ecosystems. These elements cycle through soil, plants, and the atmosphere, with each component playing a significant role. From the perspective of soil–plant–atmosphere interaction, the relationship between element cycling and plants’ physiological characteristics is of utmost importance, as both are indispensable and important aspects of plant ecosystems. The elemental cycle encompasses material exchange and energy flow among soil, plants, and the atmosphere, providing the essential material and energy foundation for ecosystems. Plant physiological characteristics reflect biochemical and physiological changes that occur during a plant’s growth, development, and adaptation to its environment. Their characteristics have a significant impact on element cycling, and different plant species have various characteristics in their absorption and utilization of elements. Leguminous plants, for example, fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Some plants possess a high affinity for certain elements in the soil. From the perspective of the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum, element cycling is closely related to plant physiological characteristics, in combination with microbial community activities, profoundly affecting the stability and productivity of ecosystems. Therefore, further understanding of the relationships between element cycling, microbial activities, and plants’ physiological characteristics can facilitate more effective environmental management and protect our ecosystems’ sustainability.

This Special Issue aims to collect the latest research findings on the theme of "Element cycling and plant physiological characteristics: from the perspective of soil-plant-atmosphere continuum". This Special Issue will focus on, but not be limited to, the following topics:

1. The basic processes of element cycling in soil, and their interactions with plants’ physiological characteristics and atmosphere composition;
2. The mechanisms of absorption, transportation, and utilization of soil elements by plants, especially with the help of microbial activities;
3. The inter-relationships between element cycling and plants’ physiological characteristics during plant growth;
4. The impact of climate change on element cycling and plants’ physiological characteristics in the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum;
5. Research methods and techniques for the study of element cycling and plants’ physiological characteristics in the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum;
6. Innovative ideas and methods for the research and practice of element cycling and plants’ physiological characteristics, including field investigations, experimental studies, and model simulations.

We encourage submissions that contribute to a better understanding of this important topic. The latest research findings may help to identify new paths toward sustainable development and a better future.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Prof. Dr. Ling Zhang
Dr. Zhi Li
Guest Editors

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