Microbial Mechanisms for Soil Improvement and Plant Growth

Dear Colleagues,

Microorganisms show strong adaptability under different environmental stresses. By changing the physical and chemical characteristics of soil, they improve soil structure, accelerate nutrient turnover, promote the accumulation of soil organic carbon, and create a more favorable growth environment for plants. The Special Issue aims to investigate the pivotal role of microorganisms in shaping soil ecosystems and enhancing plant growth under various environmental stresses, such as extreme temperatures, water deficits, waterlogging, saline-alkali conditions, and nutrient limitations. 

We invite contributions that analyze the physiological and biochemical responses of microbial communities to these stressors and how such adaptations can modify soil properties, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health. Furthermore, articles that explore how these microbial changes create a beneficial environment for plant growth, including the enhancement of nutrient availability, improvements in soil structure, etc., are also welcome. 

By integrating experimental research, field studies, and theoretical models, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between microorganisms and their soil environment. We aim to highlight the mechanisms through which microbes not only withstand environmental pressures but also contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem resilience. We welcome innovative studies that explore these critical dynamics in the context of climate change.

Dr. Qicong Wu
Dr. Hui Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the Special Issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.