Below the soil surface, the rhizosphere is the dynamic interface among plant roots, soil microbes and fauna, and the soil itself, where biological as well as physico-chemical properties differ radically from those of bulk soil. <b>The Rhizosphere</b> is the first ecologically-focused book that explicitly establishes the links from extraordinarily small-scale processes in the rhizosphere to larger-scale belowground patterns and processes. This book includes chapters that emphasize the effects of rhizosphere biology on long-term soil development, agro-ecosystem management and responses of ecosystems to global change. Overall, the volume seeks to spur development of cross-scale links for understanding belowground function in varied natural and managed ecosystems.<br><br>* First cross-scale ecologically-focused integration of information at the frontier of root, microbial, and soil faunal biology<br>* Establishes the links from extraordinarily small-scale processes in the rhizosphere to larger-scale belowground patterns and processes<br>* Includes valuable information on ecosystem response to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and enhanced global nitrogen deposition<br>* Chapters written by a variety of experts, including soil scientists, microbial and soil faunal ecologists, and plant biologists