Abstract

Below the soil surface, the rhizosphere is the dynamic interface among plant roots, soil microbes and fauna, and the soil itself, where biological as well as physico-chemical properties differ radically from those of bulk soil. The Rhizosphere is the first ecologically-focused book that explicitly establishes the links from extraordinarily small-scale processes in the rhizosphere to larger-scale belowground patterns and processes. This book includes chapters that emphasize the effects of rhizosphere biology on long-term soil development, agro-ecosystem management and responses of ecosystems to global change. Overall, the volume seeks to spur development of cross-scale links for understanding belowground function in varied natural and managed ecosystems.

• First cross-scale ecologically-focused integration of information at the frontier of root, microbial, and soil faunal biology
• Establishes the links from extraordinarily small-scale processes in the rhizosphere to larger-scale belowground patterns and processes
• Includes valuable information on ecosystem response to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and enhanced global nitrogen deposition
• Chapters written by a variety of experts, including soil scientists, microbial and soil faunal ecologists, and plant biologists

"...we enjoyed this book, which is a valuable addition to the literature on the rhizosphere and rhizosphere ecology...The editing is excellent."
- Jorge M. Vivanco, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA, in ECOLOGY
"...a valuable summary of our early 21st century knowledge of the root-soil interface..I recommend it strongly."
- Richard G. Burns, School of Land, Crop and Food Sciences, The Univ. of Queensland, Brisbane, in the SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL