Research Progress on the Effects of Plant-Derived Carbon and Soil Properties on the Priming Effect of Soil Organic Carbon

The priming effect of soil organic carbon refers to the phenomenon where the input of exogenous carbon induces an acceleration in the mineralization of inherent soil organic matter. This process is significant for the global carbon cycle and the maintenance of long-term soil fertility. Currently, the researches on how plant and soil properties influence soil priming effects has been paid great attention. This review summarized recent studies to explore the impacts and regulatory mechanisms of plant-derived carbon properties (such as root exudates and litter) and soil properties (such as soil texture, pH, and microbial community structure) on soil priming effects. The results indicated that plant-derived carbon and soil properties significantly affected the utilization efficiency of exogenous carbon and microbial metabolic pathways, thereby influencing the priming effect and mineralization dynamics of soil organic carbon. Additionally, this review highlighted that while the study of plant-soil interactions in relation to soil priming effects was gradually becoming a research hotspot, the specific mechanisms of these interactions required further investigation. Finally, the article proposed future research directions, including the long-term effects of soil-plant interactions, the impact of exogenous organic carbon input on soil carbon stability, and the differences and mechanisms of soil priming effects across different climatic zones. This review provided a new insight for understanding the priming effect of soil organic carbon and aimed to contribute to the effective advancement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets.