Advances and prospects in plant symmetric and asymmetric competition

Competition among plant individuals is a critical process within a population and community and has long been a research focus in ecology, with particular attention on aboveground competition during growing seasons. The belowground competition of plant roots is equally-important, especially under water and nutrition stresses. Yet, our theoretical foundations for understanding the similarities and differences on belowground vs. aboveground completions remain immature. In this paper, we review up-to-date concepts and the understanding of aboveground and belowground competitions, summarize the relevant theories and associated conceptual frameworks, and present ways for testing these models for symmetric/asymmetric competitions. Additionally, we discussed the major variables involved in these processes and models. Finally, we shared our views on modeling competition for advancing ecological research in the future.