Summary
This narrative review synthesises evidence on the mechanisms by which soil biology—particularly microorganisms in the rhizosphere and endophytic communities—influences nutrient availability and cycling in agricultural soils. The paper describes key microbial processes such as nitrogen fixation and mineral solubilisation that mobilise nutrients for plant absorption, and explores symbiotic relationships with fungi that enhance nutrient uptake whilst supporting crop health and environmental stress resistance. The findings suggest that optimising soil biological function could reduce synthetic fertiliser dependence whilst supporting the development of nutrient-dense crops.
Regional applicability
The mechanistic insights on soil microbial nutrient mobilisation are broadly applicable to UK farming systems, particularly for arable and mixed farms seeking to reduce synthetic nitrogen inputs. However, applicability to specific UK soil types, climates, and management practices would require field validation, as the review likely encompasses global evidence.
Key measures
Mechanisms of microbial nutrient mobilisation; nitrogen fixation pathways; mineral solubilisation processes; plant nutrient uptake efficiency; crop resilience indicators
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on how soil microorganisms—particularly those in the rhizosphere and endophytic communities—influence nutrient availability, cycling, and plant uptake. It reports on microbial processes including nitrogen fixation and mineral solubilisation that mobilise nutrients and examines symbiotic relationships with fungi that enhance nutrient uptake and crop stress resilience.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.