Microbial biodiversity and plant functional trait interactions in multifunctional ecosystems

• Published in: Applied soil ecology : a section of Agriculture, ecosystems & environment ecosystems & environment, 2024-09, Vol.201, p.105515, Article 105515
• Main Authors: Nizamani, Mir Muhammad, Hughes, Alice C., Qureshi, Salman, Zhang, Qian, Tarafder, Entaj, Das, Diptosh, Acharya, Krishnendu, Wang, Yong, Zhang, Zheng-Guang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ecosystem functioning; Ecosystem stability; Plant growth; Soil health maintenance; Soil microorganisms
• ISSN: 0929-1393; 1873-0272
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2024.105515

Recent studies have cast new light on the intricate interplay between microbial biodiversity and plant functional traits, underscoring their pivotal roles in counteracting the adverse effects of anthropogenic biodiversity loss and climate change on ecosystem health. This critical review delves into the crucial support that microbial diversity offers for plant growth, soil health maintenance, and terrestrial ecosystem stability. It articulates the vital contributions of microbial diversity to plant functionality and ecosystem processes, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of these complex relationships. Subsequently, we present an analysis of cutting-edge research that sheds light on the dynamic interactions between microbial communities and plant traits. Highlighting the necessity for a deeper understanding, this review identifies key future research directions: (1) Exploring the role of microbe-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere and their impact on plant health and growth; (2) Investigating the influence of extreme weather events on microbe-plant symbioses; (3) Understanding the contribution of microbial communities to plant adaptation in marginal soils; (4) Assessing the impact of urbanization on plant-microbe interactions; and (5) Developing innovative approaches to harness the potential of plant-microbe interactions for sustainable agriculture. By proposing a comprehensive research agenda that melds microbial ecology with plant science, this synthesis emphasizes the indispensable role of microbial biodiversity in bolstering ecosystem resilience and functionality, aiming to pave the way for enhanced ecosystem management and conservation strategies. •Microbial diversity's role in nutrient cycling and plant health supports ecosystem productivity and resilience.•Land-use changes impact microbial diversity, altering plant traits and soil functions, needing tailored management.•Human activity impacts microbial diversity, requiring ecosystem-specific conservation for plant-microbe interactions.•Plant functional traits determine how plants affect and are affected by their microbial environment.•PSF and context dependency highlight the dynamic nature of plant-microbe interactions across environments.