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Soil microbial biomass: A key soil driver in management of ecosystem functioning
Jay Shankar Singh1, Vijai Kumar Gupta2
1Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar (Central) University, Raebarelly Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The Science of the Total Environment
|April 11, 2018
Summary
A unifying driver for global soil microbial biomass (SMB) patterns is missing. Ecological restoration may stabilize SMB, crucial for soil fertility and ecosystem productivity.
Area of Science:
- Soil Science
- Ecology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Soil microbial biomass (SMB) is a key indicator of soil fertility and ecosystem productivity.
- Global patterns of SMB are not fully understood, with a missing unifying driver.
- Soil degradation and climate variability negatively impact microbial diversity and SMB dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify unifying drivers of soil microbial biomass (SMB) patterns at a global scale.
- To explore the role of ecological restoration in stabilizing SMB and its turnover.
- To understand how SMB influences soil nutrient dynamics and ecosystem functioning.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microbial diversity and biomass patterns.
- Analysis of environmental drivers affecting soil microbial biomass (SMB) globally.
- Investigation of ecological restoration strategies for SMB stabilization.
Main Results:
- A unifying global driver for soil microbial biomass (SMB) patterns remains elusive.
- Ecological restoration shows potential to reduce SMB unpredictability and turnover rates.
- Stabilizing factors for SMB are crucial for soil nutrient cycling and ecosystem productivity.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to identify global drivers of soil microbial biomass (SMB).
- Ecological restoration is a promising approach to enhance soil health by stabilizing SMB.
- Understanding SMB dynamics is vital for addressing ecosystem degradation and improving soil functioning.
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