Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.6, 297-305 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 302 length density in the 0-20 cm soil layer is 81% higher, the P content and photosynthetic rate of leaves are 49% and 12% higher respectively, and the aboveground biomass is 19% higher. The grain yield was 14% higher (Jia et al., 2018). Applying different P fertilizers such as single super phosphorus, MAP, UP and APP in 10-20 cm local strips can increase the density and length of first-order lateral roots in the enrichment area by up to 74% compared with uniform fertilization (Wang et al., 2024); In the field experiment of black soil, the yield per plant treated with APP reached 171.8 g, which was significantly higher than that of DAP, FCMP and their combined application. APP significantly increased the proportion of soil TP and inorganic P (REp, FPp, AEp, PHI, PAC) (Dong et al., 2024). 6 Future Prospects and Challenges 6.1 Future of root architecture research in maize Imaging techniques such as X-ray CT, MRI, and mini root canal are increasingly used in root system research, and they do not damage the plants themselves during the observation process. Medium and high-throughput field phenotypic research platforms such as "Shoveling Field Studies" are also good. Researchers can observe the morphological changes of the root system without having to dig out the plants. The problem that the root system was buried in the soil in the past and was difficult to observe directly is being gradually solved (Keerthi et al., 2025). In terms of genetic improvement, the application of gene editing and transgenic technologies has made the operation more direct, allowing for direct adjustment of target genes, such as those that affect root length, root growth Angle, root hair formation, and nutrient transport capacity (Mmbando and Ngongolo, 2024). The concepts of ideal root systems such as "steep, low, deep" and "topsoil feeding" have also been continuously refined. They are no longer limited to the external morphology of the root system and have begun to pay attention simultaneously to the internal structural changes of the roots, as well as the composition and function of the rhizosphere microbial community (Galindo-Castaneda et al., 2022). 6.2 Challenges in root architecture modifications There is an inherent contradiction between the root system and the aboveground part in terms of carbon distribution. The carbon obtained by plants is limited. If too much is invested in the root system, the carbon that the aboveground part can receive will decrease, the aboveground biomass may decline, and the grain yield is also likely to be affected (Van Der Bom et al., 2020; Lynch, 2021; Holz et al., 2024). Many studies on root system improvement have been conducted under hydroponic conditions or in small pot experiments. In the field, the root system has to confront soil resistance, and the distribution of nutrients is also uneven. There is also a complex microbial community in the rhizosphere. These factors are often difficult to be truly reflected under artificial conditions (Galindo-Castaneda et al., 2022; Keerthi et al., 2025). 6.3 Practical implications for sustainable agriculture If the root system develops better, such as longer total root length, larger surface area, and stronger root vitality, it will be easier to absorb nitrogen and also improve the utilization efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer (Jing et al., 2022; Jan et al., 2025). In the case of uneven distribution of soil nutrients, the ability of the root system to utilize nutrient "patches" is also crucial. By increasing the number of lateral roots, enhancing the secretion level of phosphatase, and strengthening the expression of genes related to ammonium transport, it is possible to ensure that crops obtain sufficient nutrients while reducing the amount of fertilizer application (Holz et al., 2024). Types with less deep roots or larger root angles are more conducive to absorbing water and nitrogen from deep soil, and at the same time can promote the accumulation of soil carbon. The root system with more shallow roots and lateral root branches is more suitable for absorbing phosphorus and potassium in the surface soil (Kishore et al., 2025). The mutual cooperation among root hairs, the mucus secreted by the root system, the rhizosphere biofilm and beneficial microorganisms can improve the utilization efficiency of water and nutrients, and also enhance the adaptability of crops to adverse environments. Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to the reviewers for their thorough review and balanced suggestions.
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