Decoding C:N:S:Fe Stoichiometry in Plant Acclimation to Environmental Stress—Mechanisms, Trade-offs, and Future Challenges
Georgios P. Stylianidis1, Chrysoula K. Pantazopoulou1, Styliani N. Chorianopoulou1,2, Dimitris L. Bouranis1,2,*
1 Plant Physiology and Morphology Laboratory, Crop Science Department, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
2 PlanTerra Institute for Plant Nutrition and Soil Quality, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
* Corresponding Author: Dimitris L. Bouranis. Email: 
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2026.085051
Received 04 May 2026; Accepted 06 July 2026; Published online 07 August 2026
Abstract
Cellular carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) metabolisms are tightly coordinated towards sustaining optimal growth and development for plants. C:N ratio is well-studied. Research results highlight strong interest in C:N dynamics in crops, especially in relation to soil health, crop production, as well as nutrient cycling. However, the C:N:S (sulfur) stoichiometry within plant tissues is under-reviewed. This lack of research persists despite the critical importance of the C:N:S elemental nexus for nutrient use efficiency, stress physiology, yield quality, and sustainable fertilization. Thus, the biochemical integration of C, N, and S and the corresponding homeostases are discussed. Moreover, the C:N:S:Fe (iron) elemental nexus appears to possess strategic contribution, given the close functional relationship between S and Fe. This interaction is increasingly vital as environmental stressors, particularly nutrient imbalances and climate instability become urgent challenges in crop physiology. Moreover, erratic weather patterns alter nutrient availability and uptake, plant metabolism, and stoichiometric homeostasis. Consequently, we highlight the central role of C:N:S:Fe elemental nexus in maintaining crop performance under climate instability and discuss how plants integrate C, N, S, and Fe responses to environmental stressors.
Keywords
Stoichiometry; iron; sulfur; environmental stressors; acclimation processes; climate change; nutrient imbalances
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