The ultimate reference on the benefits of plant-microbe interactions The advent of sophisticated molecular techniques in recent years has spurred an unprecedented growth in the study of the rhizosphere--the soil space where symbiotic interactions occur between plant roots and microbial communities. This comprehensive two-volume reference surveys the state of the art of this rapidly expanding field, bringing together a wealth of information on the molecular microbial ecology of the rhizosphere. Featuring contributions by leading experts from around the world, this exhaustive work combines review articles with original research papers, exploring all facets of plant-microbe interactions, including the latest molecular tools and experimental results from different habitats. Readers will gain valuable insight into an encyclopedic range of topics and learn to develop strategies for using microbes and plants in cutting-edge application areas such as sustainable agriculture and phytoremediation. Coverage includes: How plants structure microbial communities in the rhizosphere to encourage beneficial organisms and ward off pathogens How signaling between plants and microorganisms promotes plant growth and development as well as nitrogen fixation and mycorrhization Biocontrol and disease-suppression approaches for ameliorating environmental stresses affecting the roots of plants and trees A plethora of culture-independent molecular techniques, including genomic sequencing and metagenomics Applications and implications for ecological studies, decontamination of heavy metals, and food production in the era of climate change Properties of bacterial endophytes leading to maximized host fitness Engineering the rhizosphere: The Biased Rhizosphere concept Molecular Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere is a must-have resource for soil microbiologists, molecular microbial ecologists, plant biologists, researchers working on plant-microbe interactions, and anyone with an interest in microbiology, ecology, and agriculture.