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Glite Dictionary
rhizosphere

rhizosphere

1 9.5
Soil near plant roots where tiny living things interact with them
  • noun
  • /ˈraɪzəˌsfiər/
  • Specialized
: rizosfera
  • The rhizosphere is the zone in soil where plant roots interact with microorganisms.
  • maize rhizosphere

And in that rhizosphere are trillions and billions, billions and trillions of beneficial bacteria and fungi that are essential for plant life.

Examples

  • The rhizosphere provides organic substances to a large and diverse community of soil microorganisms that survive on root exudates (Nihorimbere et al., 2011).

    Academic text (2013)

  • The rhizosphere can extend several millimeters beyond the root.

    Academic text (2011)

  • The rhizosphere increases organic matter content around the root, which supports soil aggregation (Fageria and Stone 2006).

    Academic text (2011)

  • The rhizosphere is a focal point in many studies because of its complexity; it exhibits physical, chemical, and biological characteristics that differ from those of rootless soil.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Compared to bulk soil, the rhizosphere is rich in nutrients for microbial growth due to rhizodeposition of root exudates. As a result, the number of soil bacteria around the roots of plants is many times greater compared to bulk soil (Morgan et al., 2005).

    Academic text (2013)

  • The rhizosphere is defined as the ensemble composed of the roots, the rhizosheath if there is one, microorganisms, and the soil around the roots (Tarafdar and Jungk 1987), not including bulk soil.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Scientists study the rhizosphere to understand how nutrients are exchanged between plants and soil.

  • Healthy plants thrive in a rich rhizosphere that is full of beneficial microbes.

Surface Forms

rhizosphere singular
rhizospheres plural

Morphology

rhizosphere = sphere (semi-transparent) = rhizo + sphere

The combining form 'rhizo-' means 'root' but is not a common standalone English word, so the relation to 'sphere' is partially transparent.

Etymology

Rhizosphere comes from Greek parts rhizo- meaning 'root' and -sphere meaning 'area' or 'ball'. So, Rhizosphere is the 'area around the roots' where roots and soil life meet.