Book Description
The importance of rhizosphere in plant growth and development was first reported by Lorentz Hilter a century ago and it was redefined by Pinton as the zone that includes the soil influenced by the root along with root tissues colonized by microorganisms (Darrah, 1993). Roots are the major part of the plant through which plants derive nutrients and water from the soil. However, for higher efficiency of nutrient absorption and protection against abiotic and biotic stresses, plant roots establish sophisticated molecular signaling mechanisms with diverse soil flora and fauna. In the rhizosphere environment, the interaction between plant roots, soil and microbes occur in very complex ways and significantly effects on soil physical and chemical properties, which in turn modulate the microbial population in the rhizosphere (Nihorimbere et al., 2011). Recently, scientists have started realizing the importance of a specific rhizosphere interactions and its direct role in production of higher crop yield, while maintaining healthy soil conditions; which is the basis for sustainable agriculture and need of alternative approaches for overcoming some of the negative effects related to green-revolution, which includes overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, reduced use of organic matter and poor nutrient management.
