rhizosphere

[rahy-zuh-sfeer]

noun

the area of soil that surrounds the roots of a plant and is altered by the plant's root growth, nutrients, respiration, etc.

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British Dictionary definitions for rhizosphere

rhizosphere

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

rhizosphere in Science

rhizosphere

[rī′zə-sfîr′]

The soil zone that surrounds and is influenced by the roots of plants. Within the rhizosphere, roots secrete a slimy lubricating substance, called mucigel, that cause the particles of soil to adhere to the roots, assisting in the uptake of water, and encourages the growth of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and other beneficial microorganisms.