Increasing food demand coupled with climate change pose a great challenge to agricultural systems. In this review we summarize recent advances in our knowledge of how plants, together with their associated microbiota, shape rhizosphere processes. We address (molecular) mechanisms operating at the plant–microbe-soil interface and aim to link this knowledge with actual and potential avenues for intensifying agricultural systems, while at the same time reducing irrigation water, fertilizer inputs and pesticide use. Combining in-depth knowledge about above and belowground plant traits will not only significantly advance our mechanistic understanding of involved processes but also allow for more informed decisions regarding agricultural practices and plant breeding. Including belowground plant-soil-microbe interactions in our breeding efforts will help to select crops resilient to abiotic and biotic environmental stresses and ultimately enable us to produce sufficient food in a more sustainable agriculture in the upcoming decades.

日益增长的粮食需求加上气候变化对农业系统构成了巨大挑战。在这篇综述中，我们总结了我们在植物及其相关微生物群如何塑造根际过程方面的最新进展。我们研究了在植物-微生物-土壤界面上运行的（分子）机制，旨在将这些知识与强化农业系统的实际和潜在途径联系起来，同时减少灌溉水、化肥投入和农药使用。结合对地上和地下植物性状的深入了解，不仅可以显着提高我们对相关过程的机械理解，还可以在农业实践和植物育种方面做出更明智的决策。