Rhizodeposition through root senescence and root exudation of atmospheric C and N by legumes is controlled by traits indicative of resource acquisition and root development

Abstract

Legume crop production has many benefits for agricultural systems. Through the rhizodeposition process, they release a significant amount of C and N into the soil, increasing soil organic C and reducing the use of N fertilizer. Rhizodeposition is known as a dynamic process influenced by many factors. The aim of this study was to study the contribution of root exudation and root senescence to the rhizodeposition of atmospheric C and N during vegetative and reproductive growth in annual and perennial legumes and to understand how this is linked to the fixation capacities of C and N and root functional traits. An original approach that combined 13CO2 labelling and the 15N dilution method was developed to measure the rhizodeposition of atmospheric C and N throughout plant growth by two annual grain legumes (pea and faba bean) and two perennial forage legumes (white and crimson clovers). C rhizodeposition was found to increase proportionally with N rhizodeposition during reproductive development and the differences observed between species were related to the C and N fixation abilities. The use of root traits such as specific root length, root tissue density and root dry matter content suggests a strong contribution of root exudation to C rhizodeposition at vegetative growth and a strong contribution of root senescence to both C and N rhizodeposition during reproductive growth. Synthesis. Both C and N rhizodeposition appeared to be controlled by traits indicative of resource acquisition and root development.