Using systems modelling to explore the potential for root exudates to increase phosphorus use efficiency in cereal crops

► Citrate release from plant roots can solubilize phosphorus (P) bonded in soil. ► It is unclear how much citrate is required to significantly impact on crop P use efficiency (PUE). ► A modelling approach is developed to assess impact of citrate efflux on crop PUE. ► It enables to explore short and long-term impact of citrate efflux on crop PUE. ► Results show major impact of enhanced citrate efflux is to increase the PUE of applied P.