The rhizosphere and root systems are extremely important for carbon sequestration; roots and root-associated microorganisms are responsible for 50-70% of the humus build up in boreal forest ecosystems. There is greater concentration of carbon in tropical and subtropical systems such as those in carbon-rich ecosystems like mangroves and tropical peatlands.

Moreover, nitrous oxide emissions are 22 times greater from rhizosphere mediate nitrification/denitrification processes than from bulk soils and plants deposit 10-40% of their total fixed carbon into soils as rhizodeposits. Microorganisms and their specific rhizosphere functions have therefore evolved and been curated over time. These microbes provide beneficial services to the plant at all stages of its growth.

Research into rhizospheres may have important implications for regional and global models of a variety of high-carbon ecosystems, as the rhizosphere may be crucial to carbon assimilation, retention and sequestration.