Rhizosphere vs. Phyllosphere — What's the Difference?

The rhizosphere is the narrow region of soil or substrate that is directly influenced by root secretions and associated soil microorganisms known as the root microbiome. The rhizosphere involving the soil pores contains many bacteria and other microorganisms that feed on sloughed-off plant cells, termed rhizodeposition, and the proteins and sugars released by roots, termed root exudates.

The phyllosphere is a term used in microbiology to refer to the total above-ground surface of a plant when viewed as a habitat for microorganisms. The phyllosphere can be further subdivided into the caulosphere (stems), phylloplane (leaves), anthosphere (flowers), and carposphere (fruits).

The area of soil that surrounds and is affected by the roots of plants.

(biology) The above-ground surface of plants, viewed as a habitat for microorganisms

(soil science) the soil region subject to the influence of plant roots and their associated microorganisms