- What Is Beneficial Bacteria Beneficial bacteria live in what is called the rhizosphere. This is where all the bacteria and microbes live and do their dirty work. When beneficial microbes are present, roots release a compound called exudates. Beneficial microbes interact with the exudates, creating the symbiotic relationship in a complex process which is still not fully understood. What is known is that some of the exudates are enzymes, amino acids, and sugars that microbes feed off of in turn breaking down nutrients for the plant.
