Research Advances in the Main Ecological Functions of Root Exudates

Root exudates play an important role in root-soil-microorganism interactions and ecological feedback mechanisms. Root exudates are considered as the medium of “rhizosphere dialogue” in the process of complex plant rhizosphere network interaction, with great impact in regulating plant adaptation to microhabitats, thus alleviating rhizosphere nutrient competition and constructing rhizosphere microbial community structure. Here, we review the recent advances on the effects of root exudates on plant growth, soil microbial characteristics such as soil enzymes, microbial biomass, and microbial community, and soil nutrient circulation. We also propose the important directions and contents of future research on root exudates.