Harnessing the rhizosheath for sustainable agriculture: prospects for intercropping systems

Abstract Rhizosheath formation—the adhesion of soil particles to root surfaces—has gained attention in sustainable agriculture due to its diverse contributions to plant health and productivity. This process is driven by root hairs, root exudates, and rhizosheath-associated microbial communities and shaped by plant genetics, and soil physical and chemical properties. Despite recent advances, the mechanisms underlying root–soil–microbe interactions remain poorly understood, especially in intercropping systems. Intercropping can alter belowground traits such as root system architecture, exudate profiles, and rhizosheath microbial communities, but direct links between these changes and rhizosheath formation remain unclear. We advocate incorporating rhizosheath-related traits into intercropping design to enhance crop resilience and productivity. This commentary highlights key research gaps, outlines future directions, and discusses applied perspectives for agronomy and breeding. Advancing rhizosheath biology could translate fundamental knowledge into practical innovations for sustainable agriculture.