Structure and function of the rhizosphere: mechanisms at the soil-root interface

This symposium showed that the development of innovative techniques enabled a considerable progress in the knowledge of physical and chemical interact ions occurring in the rhizosphere. For instance the use of microelectrodes and micro-suction cups or X-roy tomography now gives access to micro-local modifications of pH, ionic concentrations or water content and porosity in the environment of roots, i.e. parameters that ultimately determine the tra nsfer of both nutrients and toxic elements into the plant.