Ecology and Diversity of Soil Microbial Communities in an Era of Global Change

Dear Colleagues,

Soil microbial ecology faces critical challenges in our changing world in terms of environmental stresses. The combined pressures of anthropogenic activities (management practices, land-use conversion) and anomalies driven by climate change (extreme events, weather anomalies) could alter soil microbial diversity in several ways. These changes can manifest themselves either through changes in the microbial community structure and abundance or by a loss or alteration of the functionality of microorganisms. These changes affect the biochemical pathways and interactions underlying microbial processes, reducing the resilience of the soil to new disturbances. At the same time, vital soil functions—such as nutrient cycling, the decomposition of organic matter, and water retention—are compromised, jeopardizing ecosystem stability and productivity.

The elucidation of the complex biochemical pathways and interactions underlying microbial processes and microbial ecology and diversity is an immediate need in the current era of global change. In the scientific community investigating the soil microbiome, the question of how changes in microbial diversity and dominance have a direct impact on soil health and functionality under stressed conditions is still a pertinent question. Insights gained from such research interests address the urgent need for integrated management practices and innovative research strategy development to protect soil microbial diversity from current climatic and anthropogenic pressures.

Dr. Emoke Dalma Kovacs
Prof. Dr. Teodor Rusu
Dr. Khoi Nghia Nguyen
Dr. Melinda Haydee Kovacs
Guest Editors

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