Theory of microbial coexistence in promoting soil–plant ecosystem health

Summary

This narrative review integrates contemporary soil microbiology literature to propose a theoretical framework explaining how microbial coexistence mechanisms maintain soil diversity whilst enhancing soil–plant health. The authors propose that ecological processes such as resource partitioning and metabolic complementarity among coexisting microbial taxa support nutrient availability, suppress plant pathogens, and sustain soil structure. The work bridges microbial ecology and systems-level soil science, though as suggested by the review scope, empirical validation of these mechanisms under field conditions remains an area for further investigation.

UK applicability

The conceptual framework presented is universally applicable and could inform UK soil management and restoration strategies. However, empirical validation of the proposed mechanisms under diverse UK soil types, climates, and farming systems would strengthen evidence for practical implementation in UK agricultural and horticultural practice.

Key measures

Conceptual framework; synthesis of microbial ecology theory applied to soil health; mechanisms of microbial coexistence (resource partitioning, metabolic complementarity, spatial heterogeneity)

Outcomes reported

This narrative review synthesises soil microbiology literature to propose a theoretical framework linking microbial coexistence mechanisms to soil–plant ecosystem health. The authors examine how ecological processes such as resource partitioning and metabolic complementarity support soil function.

Topic tags