Soil health: The importance of the rhizosphere

Soil health: The importance of the rhizosphere Lynette Abbott, Emerita Professor, The University of Western Australia School of Agriculture and Environment and UWA Institute of Agriculture, examines how the rhizosphere, a narrow collar of soil clinging to plant roots, is emerging as a key player in soil and plant health. The rhizosphere is the area of soil that is in very close contact with roots (Photo 1). Roots profoundly influence microbial processes in this zone, and many of these processes are critical to soil health. As roots grow, they release a variety of exudates into soil, and many contain carbohydrates. This stream of exudates provides a source of carbon and energy for soil microorganisms in close proximity to roots. Soil organisms multiply in this carbon-rich environment, creating a hotspot of microbial activity near roots. In turn, this enriched microbial community influences soil aggregation, roots and plant health.