Role of root hair elongation in rhizosheath aggregation and in the carbon flow into the soil

Abstract One of the most prominent changes in rhizospheric soil structure is associated with formation a strongly bound layer surroundings root, which named rhizosheath. In this study, we investigated how root hair elongation, ubiquitous morphological trait, affect stability rhizosheath aggregates. Using 13 CO 2 pulse labeling, tracked fate root-derived C inputted into two Zea mays L. genotypes contrasting elongation: mutant defective elongation ( rth3 ) and corresponding wild type (WT). addition, also differences between labeling approaches (single vs. multiple labeling) distribution We were able to demonstrate that aggregate resulting size follows same mechanisms irrespective elongation. This result reinforces assumption other properties are more decisive for comparison The majority recently deposited (57%) was found macroaggregates. Increasing number pulses (multiple approach) resulted higher enrichment aggregates fractions application single pulse. While both similar aggregates, given by allowed separation significant plant allocation