Contributions of micro-fauna (protozoa and nematodes) to rhizosphere ecological functions and possible mode of action were reviewed. Micro-fauna in rhizosphere play an important role in release of plant available nutrient, soil organic carbon accumulation and stabilization, hormonal effects on roots, microbial diversity and functional stability, multitrophic interactions aboveground, and bioremediation of contaminated soils. Selective grazing, active dispersal and excretion by the micro-fauna not only benefit the ecological functions in rhizosphere, but also have an impact on the whole soil and aboveground community. It appeared that mechanistical understanding rhizosphere ecological functions would remain incomplete without considering the interactions of micro-fauna with microorganisms and roots.