Rhythmic radial oxygen loss enhances soil phosphorus bioavailability

Cai Li, Hu Sheng, Mengxi Tan, Hengyi Dai, Xiaolong Wang, Huacheng Xu, Shiming Ding and Guoqiang Zhao ()
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Cai Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hu Sheng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Mengxi Tan: Zhejiang University
Hengyi Dai: Zhejiang University
Xiaolong Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Huacheng Xu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shiming Ding: Southeast University
Guoqiang Zhao: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Phosphorus (P) availability is vital for global primary productivity, yet it is often immobilized in soils by redox-inert crystalline iron (oxy)hydroxides. Here we show that diel radial oxygen loss (ROL) from plant roots induces redox fluctuations in the rhizosphere, activating these iron minerals and enhancing P mobilization. Nighttime reduction and daytime oxidation drive the formation of reactive metastable iron phases (RMPs) on root surfaces, forming a redox-active iron plaque. These RMPs undergo rapid dissolution–reformation cycles, facilitating P transfer from soil to porewater for plant uptake. Using multiple aquatic plants from agriculturally developed regions, we demonstrate that ROL broadly enhances soil P availability. In rice paddies, ROL-activated P release accounts for 8.7% of global P fertilizer input, contributing an estimated economic value of USD 0.52 billion annually. Our findings uncover a previously overlooked redox mechanism by which plants enhance P acquisition, with broad implications for nutrient cycling and agricultural sustainability.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59637-x

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