Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 241-254 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 248 Nowadays, some new technologies are emerging, such as high-frequency capacitance method and root resistance imaging. These methods can accurately measure the volume and structure of roots in the field without damaging them, providing the possibility for large-scale dynamic monitoring. However, their applicability in different soil types and environments still requires further testing and standardization (Gu et al., 2024). 9.2 Linking root traits with soil microbiome research The root traits of corn, such as root hairs, branches and secretions, interact with the rhizosphere microbiome. This interaction has a significant impact on nutrient acquisition, stress resistance and plant growth. Studies have found that root secretions and structures can directionally attract beneficial microorganisms and alter rhitosphere communities, thereby helping crops cope with nutrient and environmental stresses (Yu et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2024). However, at present, people still have insufficient understanding of the genetic basis and regulatory mechanism of this interaction, and there is also a lack of systematic research on how they affect crop phenotypes at different scales. 9.3 Systems approaches combining genetics, soil science, and agronomy The root-soil interaction is highly complex, thus requiring a deep integration of genetics, soil science and agronomy. Previous studies using genome-wide association analysis have found that maize genotypes can affect the rhizosphere microbiome, and some gene loci have also been found to be related to the abundance of beneficial microorganisms and crop phenotypes. However, in many cases, the physical and chemical properties of the soil have a greater impact on root-microbial interactions than the variety effect. This indicates that soil types, management methods and genetic background of crops need to be considered in combination during the research. In the future, multi-omics, systems biology and high-throughput field phenotypic platforms should be developed to combine and optimize root traits, microbiomes and agronomic measures, thereby promoting precision breeding and sustainable management (Gholizadeh et al., 2024; Zhu et al., 2024; Shi et al., 2025; Xu et al., 2025). 10 Conclusion The interaction between corn roots and soil is a key process that determines the growth, nutrient utilization and stress resistance of crops. The root system regulates the acquisition of water and nutrients through morphological changes, the release of secretions, and the synergistic effect with soil microorganisms, while also influencing the rhizosphere environment. All these processes will significantly affect the growth and yield of corn. Corn roots can sense and adapt to different soil conditions. The physical environment includes the compactness of the soil and the distribution of moisture, the chemical environment involves whether nutrients are easily utilized, and the biological environment is related to the microbial community. Root secretions (such as mucus, benzooxazoline, flavonoids, etc.) can improve the contact between roots and soil, reduce mechanical resistance, and also attract beneficial microorganisms, optimize the microbial community structure, and enhance nutrient absorption and stress resistance. The interaction between roots and microorganisms can also regulate soil enzyme activity and promote the cycling of key nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, thereby enhancing soil health and yield. Under stress conditions such as drought, heat waves or low phosphorus levels, this dynamic synergy among roots, soil and microorganisms helps maintain the vitality and productivity of corn. To enhance the effect of the interaction between corn roots and soil, a combination of genetics, soil science, microbiology and agronomy is required. Improving root traits through targeted breeding, applying fertilizers rationally, optimizing irrigation and soil improvement (such as biochar and microbial inoculation, etc.) can all enhance the adaptability of roots and the efficiency of resource utilization. Meanwhile, by leveraging multi-omics and high-throughput phenotypic technologies, the root-soil-microbial interaction mechanisms can be more deeply analyzed, providing support for the cultivation of high-yield, stress-resistant, and resource-efficient corn varieties. In the future, integrating the research on root phenotypes, soil environment and microbiome, along with precise agronomic measures, will become the key to enhancing corn yield and resilience. Optimizing the interaction between roots and soil not only leads to high and stable yields but also lays a foundation for food security and sustainable agricultural development.
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