Summary
This narrative review examines the role of microbial communities during composting and their subsequent impact on soil microorganisms in agricultural systems. The authors synthesise evidence on how compost production and application promotes the establishment and multiplication of beneficial microbial consortia, contributing to soil restoration and more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. The review addresses a gap in the literature by focusing specifically on soil microbiota benefits rather than plant cultivation outcomes alone.
UK applicability
Given the UK's emphasis on soil health under the Agriculture Act 2020 and Environmental Land Management schemes, this review's findings on compost-driven microbial restoration are directly relevant to UK soil improvement strategies and organic certification standards. However, application would require adaptation to UK climate conditions and the availability of suitable composting feedstocks at farm scale.
Key measures
Microbial community composition and activity during composting; impact of compost application on soil microbiota diversity and ecosystem services; nutrient cycling processes
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises knowledge on microorganisms involved in the composting process and their role in promoting beneficial microbial consortia in agricultural soils. It examines how compost application supports ecosystem functions including nutrient cycling, biomass transformation, and plant health in sustainable farming systems.
Topic tags
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