1. the surface of a plant root and the soil particles immediately adjacent to it
Usage: botanical; technical

Examples

• Bacteria colonize the rhizoplane and form beneficial relationships with the plant.
• The rhizoplane is an important interface for nutrient exchange between roots and soil.
• Researchers studied microbial activity on the rhizoplane of wheat seedlings.
• The rhizoplane differs from the rhizosphere in that it refers specifically to the root surface.
• Fungal hyphae often attach to the rhizoplane to establish symbiotic connections.
• Scientists examined how pH affects bacterial populations on the rhizoplane.