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Even with extensive root growth, plants may fail to access subsoil water and nutrients when root-restricting soil layers are present. Biopores, created from decaying roots or soil fauna, reduce penetration resistance and channel root growth into the deeper soil. Further positive effects on plants result from biopore traits, as the pore walls are enriched in nutrients, microbial abundance, and activity relative to bulk soil. However, negative effects on plant growth have also been observed due to root clumping in biopores, less root-soil contact than in the surrounding bulk soil and leaching of nutrients.

We discuss methods for biopore research, properties of biopores and their impact plant performance based on a literature review and own data. We elucidate potential implications of altered root-soil contact for plant growth and the consequences of root growth in pores for the rhizosphere microbiome …