rhizosphere

[ rahy-zuh-sfeer ]
/ ˈraɪ zəˌsfɪər /

noun

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

Words nearby rhizosphere

British Dictionary definitions for rhizosphere

rhizosphere
/ (ˈraɪzəʊˌsfɪə) /

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

Scientific definitions for rhizosphere

rhizosphere
[ rīzə-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.