Soil Virus Life-Strategy Conversion and Implications for Ecosystem and Soil Functions

Area of Science:

• Soil microbiology
• Environmental virology
• Ecosystem functions

Background:

• Viral abundance and life state influence soil microbial metabolism and functions.
• The drivers of viral life cycle (lytic vs. lysogenic) and their impact on soil functions are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distribution and drivers of soil viral properties.
• To summarize mechanisms regulating viral life cycle transitions.
• To propose a framework for viral life strategy transitions and their ecosystem impacts.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a soil virus abundance dataset (691 samples) with a lysogenic fraction index.
• Assessment of viral properties against 21 soil physicochemical indicators.
• Systematic review of molecular mechanisms for viral lysis-lysogenic transformations.

Main Results:

• Identified key drivers of soil viral properties.
• Proposed a conceptual framework for viral life strategy transitions based on environmental stress.
• Highlighted the roles of viral shuttle and virovory in carbon sequestration and One Health.

Conclusions:

• Soil viral life strategies are dynamic and influenced by environmental stress.
• Viral shuttle and virovory mechanisms are critical for soil ecosystem functions.
• Further research is needed to understand soil virology's impact on functions, especially under climate change.