Mini Review
Zhen Bai Chinese Academy Of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory Of Forest Ecology And Management, Institute Of Applied Ecology, CAS, Shenyang 110016, China
Recieved on: 2024-12-11, Accepted on: 2024-12-26, Published on: 2024-12-31
Soil plays a crucial role in global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation, with its function largely dependent upon organo-mineral associations formed through microbial processes. Microbial communities are key drivers of soil genesis, as they facilitate decomposition processes that incorporate nutrients into stable soil aggregates. This article first reviews evidence supporting the idea that soil formation can be viewed as a housing process in which microbial communities act as architects, creating structural elements that fortify soil architecture and enhance their own habitats. It then delves into the mechanisms and driving forces behind soil-microbe interactions and highlights promising strategies for enhancing organic matter accrual in soil. Lastly, it explores the potential of harnessing microbial dynamics to boost carbon sequestration into soil particles, thereby promoting the restoration of degraded lands and fostering more resilient and sustainable terrestrial ecosystems.