Nutrient efficiency can precisely synergize crop yield, resource efficiency and environmental protection, and become a golden key to crack the sustainable development problem. It is of great significance to propose a new theoretical system to substantially improve nutrient use efficiency. The cover image shows a new proposed academic theory of “Rhizobiont”, which includes plants, roots, rhizosphere, hypersphere, and their associated microbes. The root system, as the main organ of plant nutrient absorption, connects the above and below ground; the rhizosphere is the hub of controlling the material and energy flow and information exchange of the plant–soil system; and the hyphosphere greatly expands the scope and function of plant absorption and utilization of soil nutrient. Studies are needed to clarify the structure and function of rhizobiont consortium and their roles in the mobilization, uptake, and utilization of nutrient. In addition, it also needs to establish comprehensive management strategies for enhancing the biological potentials of the rhizobiont consortium via multi-interface interactions, allowing for a significant increase in crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency towards sustainable development. This new conceptual theory opens up an innovative research field of plant–soil–microbe interactions. Moreover, this concept seeks a comprehensive understanding of these interactions for harnessing the second genome of plants (microbiome), which will be the frontiers of agricultural research.
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