Rhizosphere
Rhizosphere is the region of the soil in contact with the roots of a plant. It contains many
microorganisms and its composition is affected by root activities. In another word, it is an
environment under the influence of plant.
The term "rhizosphere" was used first in 1904 by the German plant physiologist Lorenz
Hiltner to describe how plant roots interface with surrounding soil. The rhizosphere was
defined by Hiltner as "the soil compartment influenced by the roots of growing plants.
The Rhizosphere is the zone surrounding the roots of plants in which complex relations exist
among the planti the soil microorganisms and the soil itself.
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.
Rhizopshere Microbiome and Interactions
Soil pores in the rhizosphere can contain 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.
Rhizosphere can be divided into inner and outer rhizosphere.
Feature Inner Rhizosphere Outer Rhizosphere
Near the root surface, within a few Extends further away from the root,
Location millimeters beyond the immediate root zone
Microbial
Density Higher microbial density Lower microbial density
May contain root exudates, but in lower
Root Exudates Rich in root exudates concentrations
Nutrient Higher availability of nutrients due to Nutrient availability is influenced by
Availability active root-microbe interactions root activities, but to a lesser extent
Microbial
Diversity Higher microbial diversity Lower microbial diversity
Interactions with root cells are less
Root Interaction Intimate interactions with root cells direct
Plant-Microbe Stronger plant-microbe symbiotic Symbiotic relationships are present but
Symbiosis relationships may be less pronounced
Microbiome Diversity in the Rhizosphere
The rhizosphere harbors a diverse and complex community of microorganisms, including
bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protozoa. These microorganisms collectively form the
rhizosphere microbiome, playing pivotal roles in nutrient cycling, soil structure, and plant
health. The sheer diversity of microbial species in the rhizosphere contributes to the
resilience and adaptability of plants in challenging environmental conditions.
The microbiome's composition is influenced by various factors, such as soil type, plant
species, and the specific root exudates released by the plant. In a symbiotic dance, plants
actively shape their rhizosphere microbial community, fostering beneficial relationships with
certain microorganisms while repelling potential pathogens.
RHIZODEPOSITION
Release of organics form roots.
Rhizodeposition describes that total carbon transfer form root to soil. Plants roots secrete
various nutrients rich compound into the surrounding soils, this process called
Rhizodeposition.
Rhizodeposition can amount up to 25% of newly fixed photosynthates.
This nutritional enrichment around roots creats unique environment for soil microorganism
including the rhizosphere (that's volume of soil around roots influenced by roots exudation)
and the rhizoplane (the immediate root epidermal surface that interfaces that rhizosphere
soil o It includes releases come form secretion , exudates , lysates , mucilage and mucigel.
The term rhizodeposition includes (Root exucates , mucilage , death & decay part of root).
Mucilage:- Root mucilage form a gelatinous layer surrounding the root tip and is one
of the few clearly visible signs of organic carbon excretion from roots.
Its mainly composed of polysaccharides of 106-108 Da in size and its actively
secreted by exocytosis from root cap cells.
Alongside polysaccharides , its also contains proteins and some phospholipid.
Exudates:- exudates are defined as diffusible compound which are lost passively by
the root and over which the root extract little control.
The dominants organic compounds in roots reflect those compound central to
cell metabolism and include free sugars , amino acid and organic acid.
Lysate:- compound released of death and lysis of root cells.
Rhizosphere Effect
Compared to non-rooted bulk soil the rhizospheric soil around the plant root contains much
larger population of microorganism.
A stimulation that can be put on a quantitative basis by the use of the R / S ratio
R : S ratio = number of microorganisms in the rhizosphere soil : number of
microorganisms in the non-rhizosphere soil.
R/S > 1, good stimulation
R/S = I , no stimulation
R/S< 1, inhibition
Plant affects the rhizosphere microorganisms through the release of root exudates
Root exudates
Small molecules that are released from plant roots, which include sugars, amino acids,
organic acids and amides,
These molecules influence soil nutrient availability both directly and indirectly by
stimulating the activities of certain microbial and fungal components of the soil biota.
At the heart of rhizosphere interactions are plant root exudates—organic compounds
released by plant roots into the soil.
These exudates serve as a complex language, communicating with the rhizosphere
microbiome and influencing microbial behavior.
Root exudates encompass a diverse array of compounds, including sugars, amino
acids, organic acids, and secondary metabolites.
Root exudates play a multifaceted role in the rhizosphere. They act as a food source
for beneficial microorganisms, attracting them to the root zone.
Simultaneously, certain exudates exhibit allelopathic effects, deterring the growth of
potential pathogens. The composition and quantity of root exudates are highly
dynamic, responding to changes in plant physiology, environmental conditions, and
nutrient availability.
ORGANIC COMPOUND RELEASED BY PLANT ROOT
Sugars and Polysaccharides.
Amino Acids, Organic Acids.
Fatty Acids.
Sterols.
Growth factors.
Significance of the Rhizosphere:
The rhizosphere is a critical nexus in terrestrial ecosystems, influencing plant growth,
nutrient availability, and overall ecosystem health.
One of the primary functions of the rhizosphere microbiome is nutrient cycling, wherein
microorganisms participate in the transformation and mobilization of essential nutrients,
making them accessible to plants.
Moreover, rhizosphere microorganisms contribute to plant health by suppressing soil-borne
pathogens through competitive exclusion, the production of antimicrobial compounds, and
the induction of systemic resistance in plants. This intricate web of interactions not only
protects plants from diseases but also enhances their resilience to environmental stresses.
