Soil Microbiome Feedback to Climate Change and Options for Mitigation

Understanding the Dynamic Interplay: The soil microbiome plays a crucial role in climate regulation through its influence on carbon cycling. Microbial processes can either mitigate or exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions, depending on environmental conditions. Key Feedback Mechanisms: Soil microbes contribute to soil organic matter decomposition, which releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. Conversely, they can enhance carbon sequestration by transforming organic materials into stable forms of carbon. Mitigation Strategies: Several strategies can be employed to leverage the soil microbiome for climate change mitigation. These include enhancing microbial diversity through cover cropping and organic amendments, which improve soil health and resilience. Innovative Practices: Techniques like biochar application and the use of microbial inoculants can further enhance soil's carbon storage capacity. Global Implications: Understanding these dynamics is essential for global carbon management efforts, as healthy soil microbiomes can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.