Rhizosphere

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. This work provides first cross-scale ecologically-focused integration of information at the frontier of root, microbial, and soil faunal biology. It establishes the links from extraordinarily small-scale processes in the rhizosphere to larger-scale belowground patterns and processes. It includes valuable information on ecosystem response to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and enhanced global nitrogen deposition. It includes chapters written by a variety of experts, including soil scientists, microbial and soil faunal ecologists, and plant biologists.