This review examines the regulation of carbon (C) flow in the rhizosphere, focusing on how roots can directly control aspects of C flow through exudation and recapture. Root exudates are hypothesized to enhance nutrient mobilization and detoxify metals, but there is limited mechanistic evidence from soil-based systems. The review highlights the need for more integrated studies in realistic systems to quantify the functional significance of these processes. It discusses the regulation of root exudation, the role of root exudates in nutrient acquisition, and the impact of mycorrhizal fungi on rhizodeposition. The authors emphasize the complexity of the rhizosphere and the need to understand its dynamics to develop sustainable agricultural systems and predict ecosystem responses to climate change. They also address the challenges in measuring root exudation fluxes and the importance of considering both exudation and recapture in rhizosphere C dynamics.This review examines the regulation of carbon (C) flow in the rhizosphere, focusing on how roots can directly control aspects of C flow through exudation and recapture. Root exudates are hypothesized to enhance nutrient mobilization and detoxify metals, but there is limited mechanistic evidence from soil-based systems. The review highlights the need for more integrated studies in realistic systems to quantify the functional significance of these processes. It discusses the regulation of root exudation, the role of root exudates in nutrient acquisition, and the impact of mycorrhizal fungi on rhizodeposition. The authors emphasize the complexity of the rhizosphere and the need to understand its dynamics to develop sustainable agricultural systems and predict ecosystem responses to climate change. They also address the challenges in measuring root exudation fluxes and the importance of considering both exudation and recapture in rhizosphere C dynamics.