The rhizosphere soil microbial dynamics and fertility status of the bamboo in different locations viz., Anaikatty, Barliyar, Mammaram, Gudalur, and Mettupalayam were studied. In general, the density of microflora varied widely among locations as well as between bamboo rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. The density of bacteria and actinomycetes was found to be higher in Anaikatty rhizosphere soil and the fungal population was higher in Mettupalayam non-rhizosphere soil. Among the bamboo rhizosphere, Anaikatty harbored a greater number of microbial populations while Barliyar rhizosphere soils exhibited greater microbial diversity. Comparing rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, non-rhizosphere were microbially more diverse. Among natural and managed ecosystems, natural ecosystems had more number of bacteria and actinomycetes, while managed ecosystems recorded a greater number of fungi. Pseudomonas and Streptomyces were the dominant bacterial and actinomycetes genera encountered in the study area. The mycorrhizal infection and AM spore population were greater for managed ecosystems over the natural ecosystems.