Regenerating Soil Microbiome: Balancing Microbial CO2 Sequestration and Emission

Abstract

Soil microbiome plays a significant role in soil’s ecosystem for soils to be physically and biologically healthy. Soil health is fundamental for plant growth and crops productivity. In the introduction part, the roles and dynamics of the microbial community in soils, primarily in the cycle of soil organic carbon and CO2 release and absorption, are deliberated. Next, the impact of crop management practices and climate change on the soil carbon balance are described, as well as other issues related to soil degradation, such as unbalanced nutrient recycling and mineral weathering. In response to these issues, various approaches to soil regeneration have been developed in order to foster an efficient and active soil microbiome, thereby balancing the CO2 cycle and carbon sequestration in the soil ecosystem.