Intercropping for Rhizosphere Stimulation.

Under the current climate change scenario, enhancing soil carbon (C) sequestration is a key mitigation strategy. Grasslands play a major role, storing about one-third of global terrestrial C, with up to 60% of net primary productivity allocated belowground. However, different management practices impact resource allocation and soil C storage. Species-enriched grasslands often store more soil organic carbon (SOC) than less diverse systems, but the mechanisms linking plant diversity, root traits, and microbial communities to SOC sequestration remain unclear. Scientific debate focuses on whether root chemical traits or soil organic matter changes are the primary drivers of C stabilization. The IRHIS project aims to bridge these perspectives using a trait-based approach that examines root biotic, physiological, chemical, and morphological traits alongside soil organic matter fractions. The project's goal is to understand how sown forage diversity influences yield, root, and soil properties, and the interactions between above- and belowground components in Mediterranean forage systems. The central hypothesis is that increased plant diversity enhances belowground inputs (root biomass, exudates), stimulating a more active and abundant microbial community. This could boost microbial necromass production and byproducts, leading to greater soil C storage and potential productivity gains.

Keywords:SOIL CARBON, PLANT DIVERSITY

Disciplines:Biogeochemical cycli, Carbon sequestration science