Summary
This narrative review synthesises evidence on how flooding and waterlogging alter soil microbial communities and their ecological functions. The authors argue that oxygen depletion under flooded conditions fundamentally reshapes microbial composition—suppressing aerobic and fungal taxa while promoting anaerobic microbes and nematodes—and that recovery trajectories depend critically on flooding frequency and water type. The review identifies plant-growth-promoting microorganisms as potentially important regulators of soil health in waterlogged and wetland environments.
Regional applicability
The findings are applicable to United Kingdom agriculture, particularly given the increased frequency of intense rainfall and flooding events in recent years. However, the review does not appear to focus specifically on UK soil types, climate zones, or agricultural systems; transferability would benefit from localised studies on common UK crops and soil conditions subject to waterlogging.
Key measures
Soil oxygen depletion; microbial community composition; soil enzyme activity; fungal and nematode abundance; soil pH; nutrient concentrations; redox status; post-flooding recovery timescale
Outcomes reported
The review examined changes in soil microbial community composition and function under flooding conditions, including shifts towards anaerobic microbes, altered enzyme activity, and differential responses of fungi and nematodes. It assessed how post-flooding recovery timescale, water type (fresh versus saline), and soil physicochemical properties influence microbial adaptation and ecosystem feedback loops.
Topic tags
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