The researchers studied how roots release organic compounds that affect soil carbon levels. They found that areas with high enzyme activity and root exudation, called "rhizosphere hotspots," are linked to increased soil respiration. By looking at individual plant scales, they discovered that these hotspots can predict total soil respiration. The combination of root exudation, enzyme activity, and root biomass can explain a large portion of the variation in carbon dioxide release from the soil. This shows that focusing on these hotspots can help understand and predict overall carbon balances in the soil.