Engineering root carbon secretion to enhance soil microbiome and carbon sequestration

Overview

This research proposes engineering sugar transporters in plant roots, particularly in root epidermal cells of sorghum, to enhance the secretion of carbon (sugars) into the soil. Plants naturally exude 20–40% of their assimilated carbon through their roots to support the rhizosphere microbiome. By increasing this carbon secretion, the technology aims to shape the soil microbiome to promote plant growth, productivity, and soil carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation.

The approach targets a key biological process that links plant metabolism with soil ecology. Enhanced root carbon secretion can foster beneficial microbial communities that improve nutrient availability, plant health, and the long-term storage of carbon in soils. This represents a novel strategy for sustainable agriculture and carbon capture using the plant's own biological systems.

Technical specifications

• Sugar transporter engineering: Modifying plant sugar transporters to enable or enhance sugar export out of root cells
• Target tissue: Root epidermal cells, which are the primary interface between the plant and the soil
• Target crop: Sorghum, a drought-tolerant C4 grass with significant biomass potential and agricultural importance
• Validation approach: Measuring sugar export from roots and evaluating soil microbial abundance and composition
• Scientific basis: Leveraging expertise in sugar allocation and transport mechanisms in plants

Technology readiness level

This research is at an early conceptual stage. The hypothesis has not yet been directly validated due to lack of funding. The researcher has identified the specific sugar transporters to be tested and has outlined a clear experimental plan involving genetic engineering of root-expressed transporters, quantification of root sugar secretion, and characterization of resulting soil microbiome changes. Funding and collaboration are needed to initiate experimental validation and advance the technology toward practical application.