Contributions of soil micro-fauna (protozoa and nematodes) to rhizosphere ecological functions

Contributions of soil micro-fauna (protozoa and nematodes) to rhizosphere ecological functions and possible modes of action were reviewed. Micro-fauna in rhizosphere play an important role in release of plant available nutrients, accumulation and stabilization of soil organic carbon, hormonal effects on roots, microbial diversity and functional stability, multi-trophic interactions above ground, and bioremediation of contaminated soils. Selective grazing, active dispersal and excretion by the micro-fauna not only benefit the rhizosphere ecological functions, but also have an impact on the whole soil and above-ground community. It appears that mechanically understanding rhizosphere ecological functions would remain incomplete without considering the interactions of micro-fauna with microorganisms and roots.