Background and Aims Multiple biotic and abiotic stressors increasingly threaten tropical grasslands, yet restoration efforts predominantly prioritise aboveground traits, neglecting critical belowground traits essential for ecosystem resilience and recovery. We proposed that these neglected traits shape ecosystem biodiversity, productivity, and stress tolerance. This study assessed biomass yield, root and rhizosphere traits, re...

Increasing drought frequency poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity. A promising strategy to enhance crop resilience against drought is the utilisation of root channels left by winter cover crops, which can improve access to subsoil water and nutrients for subsequent cash crops like maize ( Zea mays L.). The impact of drought on bacterial communities inhabiting these root channels remains largely unknown. Here...

Less attention has been given to soil enzymes that contribute to beneficial rhizosphere interactions in intercropping systems. Therefore, we performed a field experiment by growing faba bean, lupine, and maize in mono and mixed cultures in a moderately fertile soil. We measured shoot biomass and the kinetic parameters (maximal velocity ( V max ) and Michaelis-constant ( K m )) of three key enzymes in the rhizosphere: Leucine-a...

Purpose Mucilage plays crucial roles in root-soil interactions. Collection systems for maize ( Zea mays L.) use primary and seminal roots of aeroponically-grown seedlings (CS A ), or brace roots of soil-grown plants (CS B ). While each method represents specific plant developmental stages, and root types growing in specific (micro-)environments, these factors are rarely considered. It is unclear whether mucilage exhibits disti...