Summary
This review examines the complex relationship between soil microbial diversity and soil functioning, highlighting fundamental gaps in our ability to link genetic and community-level diversity to ecological processes. The authors argue that whilst measuring microbial diversity is technically challenging, functional redundancy in soil microbial communities means that overall soil processes like organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling are often maintained despite changes in community composition. The paper advocates for holistic, flux-based approaches to quantifying nutrient dynamics rather than relying solely on microbial community characterisation.
Regional applicability
This is a methodological and conceptual review with global relevance. The findings and recommendations apply to United Kingdom soil research and practice, informing how soil scientists should approach the characterisation of microbial communities and their role in soil fertility and nutrient cycling.
Key measures
Microbial community composition and structure; enzyme activities (urease, protease, phosphomonoesterase); soil respiration; microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur; nutrient transformation rates
Outcomes reported
The paper examines the relationship between microbial diversity and soil functions, discussing limitations in current methods for characterising microbial communities and their metabolic activities. It argues that soil functions exhibit redundancy, such that microbial diversity does not necessarily correlate with decomposition rates or nutrient cycling.
Topic tags
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