The rhizosphere is a very complex environment. The interactions among microorganisms and the plant roots are essential for the nutrition, growth and productivity of the plant. On the other hand, the microorganisms also benefit from their interactions with the plant. Rhizosphere studies are of interest to agriculturists, soil biologists, chemists, microbiologists and molecular biologists.Microbial Activity in the Rhizosphere will be useful to the beginner as well as to experienced scientists. It starts with contributions dealing with the basic concepts in rhizosphere biology and the techniques used in these studies. Further topics include the bacterial community composition, rhizosphere of arbuscular mycorrhizal roots, significance of AM fungi in relation to form and functioning of the root system, the role of microsymbionts in plant growth and health, and the impact of rhizosphere environment on pre-infection behaviour of Oomycetous plant pathogens like Aphanomyces, Phytophthora and Pythium.

From the contents: - Manoharachary, Mukerji: Rhizosphere Biology an Overview

Ranganayaki et al.: Methods for Isolation, Enumeration and Characterization of Rhizosphere Microorganisms
Singh, Mukerji: Root Exudates as Determinant of Microbial Biodiversity
Kapoor, Mukerji: Rhizosphere Microbial Community Dynamics
McMichael, Zak: Rhizotrons and Minirhizotrons
Nehl: Bacteria in the Rhizosphere
Saxena et al.: Beneficial Microorganisms. Marschner, Timonen: Bacterial Community in Rhizosphere. Timonen, Marschner: Mycorrhizosphere concept
Krishna et al.: Molecular Techniques for Understanding the Microbial Community
Atkinson: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Sbrana: Fungal Recognition Responses to Host Derived sSgnals
Reddy, Satyanarayana: Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizospheric Microbes
Biro et al.: Role of Beneficial Microsymbionts on the Plant Performance and Plant Fitness
Duponnois: Bacteria Helping Mycorrhiza Development
Nelson: Preinfection Behavior of Oomycete Plant Pathogens.