how to study the rhizosphere

Rhizosphere study combines microbiology, soil chemistry, plant physiology, and molecular biology. Common techniques include: microbial culture, DNA sequencing, metagenomics, stable isotope probing, and microscopy. Exudate profiling uses chromatography. Soil chemistry is analyzed by pH, nutrient tests, and enzyme assays. Studies often compare rhizosphere to bulk soil to quantify root influence. Controlled experiments use rhizoboxes, gnotobiotic systems, and isotope labeling.