Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 241-254 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 243 will significantly increase resistance, reducing root length and root volume. When the soil is already very tight, the inhibitory effect of drought is more obvious (Zhu et al., 2024). If the soil has poor aeration, such as excessive density or supersaturation of water, it will inhibit root respiration and microbial activity, and reduce root vitality and nutrient absorption efficiency (Yu et al., 2024). There are many ways to improve soil aeration, such as increasing organic matter or using aerated irrigation. These methods can significantly increase root length, root surface area and dry weight, thereby enhancing yield. 3.3 Interaction with tillage and soil management practices Farming methods and management measures can alter the physical properties of the soil, and thus also affect the distribution of corn roots. Tillage methods such as deep loosening and rotary tillage can reduce the bulk density and resistance of the soil, increase porosity and moisture content, make it easier for roots to extend deep and laterally, and improve root length density and yield (Jiang et al., 2025). Conservation tillage (no-till, cover crops, etc.) helps maintain soil structure and moisture, but sometimes compacts the topsoil to inhibit root penetration (Nassir et al., 2024). Adopting reasonable methods in the process of corn planting can optimize root distribution, improve the utilization efficiency of water and nitrogen, and increase corn yield (Jaswal and Sandal, 2024). 4 Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Dynamics 4.1 Nutrient availability (N, P, K, and micronutrients) and root uptake strategies Corn has a high demand for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and trace elements. The amount of these nutrients in the soil will directly affect the growth of plants. The combined use of organic fertilizer, phosphorus-dissolved bacteria and mineral fertilizer can significantly increase the contents of N, P and K in soil and plants, thereby promoting absorption and increasing yield (Nigussie et al., 2021; Khan et al., 2025). The root system will adopt some strategies, such as increasing branches in areas with abundant nutrients, prolonging root length or adjusting root shape. Especially in the early stage of growth, the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus is prominent (Zhang et al., 2023). Measures such as conservation tillage and organic mulching can also improve the chemical properties of the soil, increase organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus, thereby enhancing the absorption capacity of the root system (Mhlanga et al., 2022; Teressa et al., 2024). 4.2 Root exudates altering soil pH, chelation, and nutrient mobilization The roots of corn secrete organic acids, enzymes and various metabolites. These substances can alter the pH of the rhizosphere and also promote the release and utilization of insoluble nutrients such as phosphorus, iron and zinc. Organic acids can lower the pH of the rhizosphere, making phosphorus more easily absorbed. They can also chelate metal ions and improve the availability of trace elements (Canellas et al., 2019; Custos et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2022). Root secretions can also help attract some beneficial microorganisms, such as actinomycetes or phosphorus-solubizing bacteria, which, together with the roots, promote nutrient cycling and enhance stress resistance (Vive-peris et al., 2019; Sun et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2023). In addition, when corn absorbs different forms of nitrogen, it will also change the pH of the rhizosphere. When absorbing nitrate nitrogen, the rhizosphere becomes more alkaline; when absorbing ammonium nitrogen, the rhizosphere becomes more acidic. Both of these can affect the availability of nutrients (Naeem et al., 2023). 4.3 Impact of soil salinity, acidity, and nutrient imbalances Soil with high salt or acid content can severely inhibit the growth of corn roots and nutrient absorption. At this time, the roots will secrete organic acids and some stress metabolites to relieve stress. However, in extreme cases, root length, root weight and absorption capacity will still decrease (Naeem et al., 2023). If the soil pH is too low or too high, the absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements will all be affected. Studies have shown that the suitable pH range is between 6.3 and 7.4, which is most conducive to corn growth and nutrient utilization (Sirisuntornlak et al., 2020). By applying lime, ammonium nitrogen fertilizer or organic matter, the soil pH can be regulated and the availability of trace elements (such as Mn, Zn) can be improved, thereby increasing the yield. If the proportion of nutrients is unreasonable, such as an imbalance between nitrogen and phosphorus, it will reduce utilization efficiency and increase environmental risks. The combined use of organic fertilizer and mineral fertilizer can optimize nutrient supply and reduce imbalance problems (Nigussie et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2023; Teressa et al., 2024).
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