Forests hold significant influence on global biogeochemical cycles by sequestering carbon and serving as reservoirs of biodiversity. Microbes are vital to the ecological functioning in which an intricate network of nutrient recycling occurs in the forest ecosystem. Microbial communities, encompassing bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses, exhibit remarkable diversity and functional versatility in forest soils. These microbes decompose the organic matter, engaging in symbiotic relationships with plants, and releases several nutrients and micronutrients including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Various enzymatic activities, including cellulases, ligninases, and nitrogenases, are carried out by microbes, contributing to the breakdown of recalcitrant organic materials. Furthermore, mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic association with tree roots to enhance nutrient absorption and transfer. This mutualistic relationship fosters the acquisition of mineral nutrients and shapes the overall health and resilience of the forests. Microbes also influence soil pH and mineral weathering processes, impacting nutrient availability to vegetation. Forests, acting as carbon sinks, rely on the carbon captured by primary producers and transformed by microorganisms, affecting geochemical cycles and climate dynamics. Human-induced disturbances, such as deforestation, land-use changes, and climate change, can disrupt microbial communities and their functions, leading to nutrient imbalances and ecosystem degradation. The chapter aims to explore the vital contributions of soil microorganisms to nutrient recycling in forest ecosystems, highlighting their role in transforming organic matter, cycling essential nutrients, and sustaining the intricate web of life within these verdant landscapes in forest management and conservation.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Forest Alchemists: Microbe-mediated Nutrient Recycling

  • V. Rathna,
  • Siddu Lakshmi Prasanna,
  • Jayashree Anandakumar,
  • B. Swathi,
  • Swathi S. Patil,
  • Ruby Susana Kujur

摘要

Forests hold significant influence on global biogeochemical cycles by sequestering carbon and serving as reservoirs of biodiversity. Microbes are vital to the ecological functioning in which an intricate network of nutrient recycling occurs in the forest ecosystem. Microbial communities, encompassing bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses, exhibit remarkable diversity and functional versatility in forest soils. These microbes decompose the organic matter, engaging in symbiotic relationships with plants, and releases several nutrients and micronutrients including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Various enzymatic activities, including cellulases, ligninases, and nitrogenases, are carried out by microbes, contributing to the breakdown of recalcitrant organic materials. Furthermore, mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic association with tree roots to enhance nutrient absorption and transfer. This mutualistic relationship fosters the acquisition of mineral nutrients and shapes the overall health and resilience of the forests. Microbes also influence soil pH and mineral weathering processes, impacting nutrient availability to vegetation. Forests, acting as carbon sinks, rely on the carbon captured by primary producers and transformed by microorganisms, affecting geochemical cycles and climate dynamics. Human-induced disturbances, such as deforestation, land-use changes, and climate change, can disrupt microbial communities and their functions, leading to nutrient imbalances and ecosystem degradation. The chapter aims to explore the vital contributions of soil microorganisms to nutrient recycling in forest ecosystems, highlighting their role in transforming organic matter, cycling essential nutrients, and sustaining the intricate web of life within these verdant landscapes in forest management and conservation.