Interactions between Plants and Soil Microbes in Natural Ecosystem

Dear Colleagues,

Plant–soil–microbe interactions drive biogeochemical processes in terrestrial ecosystems. In these systems, plants release nutrients into the soil in the form of residue decomposition and root exudates, which improve the soil environment and supply substrates to soil microorganisms, and microorganisms transform organic nutrients into inorganic nutrients for plant absorption and utilization. The synergistic relationship between plants, soil, and microorganisms is the internal driving force involved in maintaining ecosystem structure and functions, such as nutrient cycling, biodiversity conservation, and food provision. Plant–soil–microbe interactions have become a hot spot in soil ecology, plant science, and environmental research. We particularly encourage authors to conduct investigations into plant–soil–microbe interactions in natural soils, such as in grasslands, shrubs, forests, swamps, deserts, etc., and reveal the underlying mechanism connecting the aboveground structure and belowground functions, such as the diversity–function relationship, nutrient–microbe associations, and rhizosphere dynamics.

Prof. Dr. Chao Zhang
Prof. Dr. Jie Wang
Topic Editors