The rhizosphere is the dynamic biological process zone surrounding plant roots where intense interactions among roots, soil microorganisms, and soil particles occur, driving nutrient cycling, signaling, and organic matter transformation. Root exudation of sugars, amino acids, organic acids, and secondary metabolites shapes microbial community composition and activity, stimulating processes such as nitrogen fixation, mineral weathering, phosphorus solubilization, and decomposition. Microbial metabolism and plant–microbe signaling in the rhizosphere regulate root architecture, plant nutrient uptake, and stress responses, while also influencing soil structure and aggregation. This biologically active interface is central to plant–soil feedbacks, ecosystem productivity, and biogeochemical fluxes.
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