Intensive agriculture has depleted soil carbon (C) stocks globally, necessitating a deeper understanding of soil organic carbon (SOC) formation to develop effective management strategies to rebuild soil carbon losses. Recent advancements in soil science suggest that simple-structured carbon compounds, such as plant root exudates or microbial necromass, may serve as the primary precursors of SOC. Therefore, management strategies aimed at enhancing SOC should focus on promoting the formation of these LMW C compounds. This study examines how corn hybrids (Bayer tall-statured and short-statured), soil types (sandy and loamy), and nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 90, 180, 270 kg N/ha) influence root exudation, belowground C inputs, and soil C pools in a greenhouse setting. By assessing C allocation between above- and belowground plant components, root exudation, and soil C pools (soil microbial biomass C and total soil C), we aim to optimize management practices for enhancing soil carbon storage. Results indicated that soil type and corn hybrid primarily drive root exudation and belowground C inputs, while nitrogen fertilization effects vary based on soil conditions. Additionally, short-statured corn contributed more to root development, averaging 22% greater dry root biomass across N fertilization treatments. The root biomass of corn grown in loamy soils exhibited a threshold where excessive nitrogen hindered root growth. Above all, these findings highlight that plant belowground C inputs are dependent on soil type and can be influenced by management decisions, like N fertilization and hybrid selection.