Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 59-70 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 59 Review Article Open Access Microbial Decomposition and Soil Health: Mechanisms and Ecological Implications Chunyang Zhan Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: chunyang.zhan@hitar.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0007 Received: 07 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 09 Mar., 2024 Published: 21 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhan, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhan C.Y., 2024, Microbial decomposition and soil health: mechanisms and ecological implications, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(2): 59-70 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0007) Abstract Microbial decomposition is a critical process in soil ecosystems, facilitating the breakdown of organic matter to release and recycle nutrients, thus maintaining soil health and promoting plant growth. Microbial decomposition not only influences the carbon cycle but also plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change and supporting ecosystem stability. This study reviews the latest research literature, analyzing the definition and stages of microbial decomposition, the key microbial species involved, and the environmental factors that affect this process. The focus is on the role of microbial communities in nutrient cycling and their relationship with soil health indicators. The findings demonstrate that microbial decomposition plays a pivotal role in the carbon cycle and can improve soil structure and fertility by promoting organic matter breakdown. Appropriate soil management practices, such as the use of organic amendments and biofertilizers, can significantly enhance the efficiency of microbial decomposition, thereby strengthening soil health and ecosystem resilience. Understanding the mechanisms and ecological significance of microbial decomposition is essential for improving soil management practices and increasing agricultural productivity. This study explores the key role of microbial decomposition in the carbon cycle, soil structure improvement, and ecosystem resilience, and proposes strategies to enhance microbial decomposition activity to promote soil health, providing theoretical and practical guidance for soil management and sustainable agriculture. Keywords Microbial decomposition; Soil health; Carbon cycle; Ecosystem stability; Nutrient cycling 1 Introduction Soil health is a critical component of terrestrial ecosystems, acting as a dynamic living system that delivers multiple ecosystem services. These services include sustaining water quality, plant productivity, nutrient cycling, and decomposition, as well as removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere (Tahat et al., 2020). The health of soil is closely linked to its biological, chemical, and physical properties, which are influenced by the diversity and activity of soil microorganisms (Sahu et al., 2019). Sustainable agriculture relies heavily on maintaining soil health, as it ensures the continuous production of food without causing environmental degradation. Healthy soils support crop productivity by enhancing water use efficiency, nutrient availability, and plant resistance to environmental stresses. Agricultural practices such as organic farming and conservation tillage have been shown to improve soil health by increasing the abundance, diversity, and activity of soil microorganisms (Tahat et al., 2020). However, agricultural intensification can place tremendous pressure on soil's capacity to maintain its functions, leading to ecosystem degradation and loss of productivity (Trivedi et al., 2016). Microbial decomposition is the process by which microorganisms break down organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the soil and contributing to soil fertility and structure. This process is essential for nutrient cycling and the maintenance of soil health (Delgado-Baquerizo et al., 2017). Soil microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter and regulating biogeochemical cycles (Crowther et al., 2019). The diversity and composition of microbial communities are key drivers of soil multifunctionality, influencing processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, and climate regulation (Delgado-Baquerizo et al.,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==