Volatile organic compound-mediated conversation in soil

TY - JOUR

T1 - Volatile organic compound-mediated conversation in soil

AU - Ali, Qurban

AU - Rinnan, Riikka

AU - Garbeva, Paolina

AU - Raza, Waseem

N1 - Data archiving: no data

PY - 2026/12

Y1 - 2026/12

N2 - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are increasingly recognized as key mediators of biotic interactions in soil, yet their ecological importance across spatial scales remains unresolved. Here, we propose that VOCs function as a dynamic and spatially constrained communication network that links organisms within the soil matrix, extending interactions beyond direct contact zones. We synthesize evidence across plants, microbes, and soil fauna to evaluate when and how VOC-mediated signaling operates under realistic conditions, highlighting the discrepancy between controlled experiments and structurally complex field soils. The influence of VOCs emerges from the interplay between production, transport, and consumption processes, which together define an effective interaction radius. By integrating organismal interactions with soil physical structure and biogeochemical dynamics, we identify key knowledge gaps in VOC perception, mixture effects, and multi-trophic network functioning. Resolving the role of VOCs in soil ecosystems will advance understanding of belowground biodiversity, carbon cycling, and ecosystem resilience under global change.

AB - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are increasingly recognized as key mediators of biotic interactions in soil, yet their ecological importance across spatial scales remains unresolved. Here, we propose that VOCs function as a dynamic and spatially constrained communication network that links organisms within the soil matrix, extending interactions beyond direct contact zones. We synthesize evidence across plants, microbes, and soil fauna to evaluate when and how VOC-mediated signaling operates under realistic conditions, highlighting the discrepancy between controlled experiments and structurally complex field soils. The influence of VOCs emerges from the interplay between production, transport, and consumption processes, which together define an effective interaction radius. By integrating organismal interactions with soil physical structure and biogeochemical dynamics, we identify key knowledge gaps in VOC perception, mixture effects, and multi-trophic network functioning. Resolving the role of VOCs in soil ecosystems will advance understanding of belowground biodiversity, carbon cycling, and ecosystem resilience under global change.

U2 - 10.1038/s43247-026-03685-8

DO - 10.1038/s43247-026-03685-8

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:105041279123

SN - 2662-4435

VL - 7

JO - Communications Earth and Environment

JF - Communications Earth and Environment

IS - 1

M1 - 495

ER -