Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 59-70 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 67 and dynamics of soil microbial communities (Lahlali et al., 2021). These techniques allow for the direct analysis of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, bypassing the limitations of culture-based methods. The use of 13C-labelled substrates in combination with phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis has provided insights into the microbial utilization of fresh inputs of crop residues and the succession of microbial communities during decomposition (Arcand et al., 2016). Additionally, the independent analysis of DNA and RNA has enabled the identification of active microbial decomposers and their specific roles in organic matter transformation (Baldrian et al., 2011). These molecular approaches have revealed that microbial diversity is crucial for organic matter decomposition and that changes in microbial diversity can significantly impact soil ecosystem functions (Maron et al., 2018). 8.3 Future research needs and potential areas for exploration Future research should focus on addressing the remaining knowledge gaps in soil microbial biogeography and the functional implications of microbial diversity. There is a need for a clearer concept of microbial species and their ecological roles, as well as projections of soil microbial distributions under future global change scenarios (Chu et al., 2020). Understanding the mechanisms that determine microbial community composition and their influence on soil ecosystem functions is critical for predicting the consequences of environmental changes (Prosser, 2019). Additionally, research should explore the trade-offs in organic matter use by microorganisms and the factors that drive selective microbial mining for nutrients from persistent soil organic matter (Hicks et al., 2020). Developing a continental-scale, cross-biome approach to assess soil microbial communities and their functional potential will help identify unifying principles governing the susceptibility of soil biodiversity to land conversion (Trivedi et al., 2016). Embracing culture and isolation approaches alongside molecular techniques will also be essential to determine microbial functional profiles and improve our ability to manage soil health sustainably (Chu et al., 2020). 9 Concluding Remarks Microbial activity in forest soils is influenced by various factors such as root activity, seasonality, and climatic events, with fungi playing a major role in decomposing complex plant biomass and shaping bacterial communities. High microbial diversity is essential for effective carbon cycling and soil ecosystem functioning, with a decrease in diversity significantly impacting CO2 emissions and nutrient availability. Intensive agricultural practices, such as the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, have led to soil microbial deterioration, necessitating measures like rational fertilization and crop rotation to restore soil health. Microbial traits and their physiological responses to environmental changes are crucial for predicting soil carbon dynamics and climate change feedbacks. Soil microbes balance nutrient demands and environmental preservation, playing a pivotal role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and climate regulation. Both microbial richness and composition independently drive soil multifunctionality, emphasizing the need to consider these factors in sustainable management practices. Novel technologies, such as biopolymer composite sensors, offer new ways to monitor microbial decomposition activity and soil health. Finally, the interplay between fungi and bacteria in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition is complex, with both groups contributing to the breakdown of organic matter and nutrient mineralization. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining high microbial diversity and balanced microbial communities for sustainable soil management. Practices such as reducing chemical fertilizer use, incorporating organic manure, and adopting crop rotation and intercropping can help restore and maintain soil microbial health. Understanding microbial traits and their responses to environmental changes can improve predictions of soil carbon dynamics, aiding in the development of strategies to mitigate climate change. The use of advanced monitoring technologies, like biopolymer composite sensors, can provide real-time insights into microbial activity, enabling more precise soil management. Additionally, promoting microbial richness and composition through sustainable practices can enhance soil multifunctionality, supporting nutrient cycling, decomposition, and climate regulation. These strategies are crucial for ensuring long-term soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem resilience.
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