soil area immediately adjacent to. and affected by. plant roots. Typically has a high level of microbial activity.
It has been suggested that Disease suppressive soils be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2020. |
This article needs attention from an expert in Plants. (September 2020) |
The rhizosphere is the narrow region of soil or substrate that is directly influenced by root secretions and associated soil microorganisms known as the root microbiome. The rhizosphere involving the soil pores contains many bacteria and other microorganisms that feed on sloughed-off plant cells, termed rhizodeposition, and the proteins and sugars released by roots, termed root exudates. This symbiosis leads to more complex interactions, influencing plant growth and competition for resources. Much of the nutrient cycling and disease suppression by antibiotics required by plants, occurs immediately adjacent to roots due to root exudates and metabolic products of symbiotic and pathogenic communities of microorganisms. The rhizosphere also provides space to produce allelochemicals to control neighbours and relatives.
The rhizoplane refers to the root surface including its associated soil particles. The plant-soil feedback loop and other physical factors occurring at the plant-root soil interface are important selective pressures for the communities and growth in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane.