Iron dynamics in the rhizosphere as a case study for analyzing interactions between soils, plants and microbes

Iron is an essential element for plants and microbes. However, in most cultivated soils, the concentration of iron available for these living organisms is very low because its solubility is controlled by stable hydroxides, oxyhydroxides and oxides. In the rhizosphere, there is a high demand of iron because of the iron uptake by plants, and microorganisms which density and activity are promoted by the release of root exudates. Plants and microbes have evolved active strategies of iron uptake. Iron incorporation by these organisms lead to complex interactions ranging from competition to mutualism. These complex interactions are under the control of physico-chemical properties of the soils in which they occur, and reciprocally iron uptake strategies of plants and microbes impact these soil properties. These iron-mediated interactions between soils, plants and microbes impact the plant growth and health and their analysis, together with that of the resulting iron dynamics, is of a major agronomic interest. Analysis of the complex interactions soils, plants and microbes represent also a unique opportunity to progress in our knowledge of the rhizosphere ecology. This progression requires merging complementary expertises and study strategies in soil science, plant biology and microbiology. This review provides information on (i) iron status in soil and rhizosphere, iron uptake by plants and microbes, and on (ii) the corresponding study strategies. Finally, illustrations of how integration of these approaches allows gaining knowledge in the complex interactions occurring in the rhizosphere are given.