Effects of CO2 Enrichment on Microbial Community in Soils

It has been predicted that atmospheric CO2 concentrations will increase, resulting in elevated temperatures and modified weather patterns. Climate change is expected to impact microbial functioning by changing enzyme activity that may alter mineralization processes and nutrient availability. The response of microorganisms to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration is poorly understood. Microorganisms in soil control the dynamics of plant nutrient availability and organic matter decomposition. Microorganisms also significantly impact how ecosystems adapt to changes in the global climate. Because the soil has a substantially higher CO2 concentration than the atmosphere, elevated CO2 would indirectly affect soil microorganisms through increased rates of rhizodeposition and root growth. Hence, this chapter explores the response of soil microorganisms to CO2-enriched climatic conditions better to understand the role of microorgnsms in climate change.