During its life cycle the plant releases a wide variety of compounds from its roots. The composition of these compounds, known as root exudates, varies widely and includes, in addition to organic moieties of low molecular weight, inorganic ions, gases, protons and electrons, a mucilagenous substance mainly formed by uronic acid polymers and polysaccharides (Rovira et al., 1983; Uren and Reisenauer, 1988).
The mucilage mixed with material of microbiological origin envelopes the apical regions of the root in a gelatinous layer. Its distribution is somewhat variable depending on several factors such as plant species, age, environmental conditions etc. This gelatinous layer, which constitutes the soil‐root interface, plays a fundamental role in plant nutrition (Jenny and Grossenbacher, 1963). Being highly hydrated, it ensures effective contact between the root system and the soil surfaces, facilitating exchange processes, transfer of water and nutrients, and the growth of the root. The...
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Gupta, R.K. et al. (2008). Soil‐root interface. In: Chesworth, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Soil Science. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3995-9_561
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