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© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
R. K. Dubey et al., Unravelling the Soil Microbiome, SpringerBriefs in
Environmental Science, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15516-2_1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Abstract Soil microorganisms play a vital role in soil functions influencing the
biogeochemical cycle, soil fertility, plant health, and aboveground ecosystems. The
soil harbours more diverse communities of microorganisms than any other environmental component. We have a narrow understanding of how microbial diversity
regulates soil functioning and in turn affects ecosystem sustainability. Studies of
soil microorganism-mediated processes responsible for soil functions have largely
been neglected. With increasing pressure on soils to meet the demands of the rapidly
increasing human population for food, fodder, fibre, biofuel, timber, clean water,
etc., it is imperative that research in soil microbiology focuses on the structure and
functions of the soil microorganisms to delineate microbe-mediated soil processes
and optimise them for enhanced production and better soil function. Moreover, soil
also acts as a reservoir of carbon because its soil carbon sequestration potential
helps in reducing atmospheric CO 2 levels. However, it is believed that warming
climate conditions in the changing climate can negatively affect the carbon sequestration potential and other functions of the soil. To negate the climate impacts arising from increased CO 2 emissions from the soil, it is essential that we have a deep
understanding of the processes of soil carbon storage. As the microbial activities in
the soil largely regulate its functions, including soil carbon sequestration, it is
important to gain deeper insights into the soil microbial world to address the issues
of climate change and food security.
Keywords Soil microorganisms · Soil functions · Ecosystem sustainability ·
Carbon sequestration · Climate change · Food security
1.1 Unexplored Soil Microbial World: A Solution
for the Multiple Challenges
Our rapidly and ever-increasing burgeoning population is projected to be 8.5 billion
in 2025 (FAO 2013). At least a 50% increase in food production is needed to balance the nutrition of 1 billion undernourished and 1 billion malnourished people
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
R. K. Dubey et al., Unravelling the Soil Microbiome, SpringerBriefs in
Environmental Science, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15516-2_1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Abstract Soil microorganisms play a vital role in soil functions influencing the
biogeochemical cycle, soil fertility, plant health, and aboveground ecosystems. The
soil harbours more diverse communities of microorganisms than any other environmental component. We have a narrow understanding of how microbial diversity
regulates soil functioning and in turn affects ecosystem sustainability. Studies of
soil microorganism-mediated processes responsible for soil functions have largely
been neglected. With increasing pressure on soils to meet the demands of the rapidly
increasing human population for food, fodder, fibre, biofuel, timber, clean water,
etc., it is imperative that research in soil microbiology focuses on the structure and
functions of the soil microorganisms to delineate microbe-mediated soil processes
and optimise them for enhanced production and better soil function. Moreover, soil
also acts as a reservoir of carbon because its soil carbon sequestration potential
helps in reducing atmospheric CO 2 levels. However, it is believed that warming
climate conditions in the changing climate can negatively affect the carbon sequestration potential and other functions of the soil. To negate the climate impacts arising from increased CO 2 emissions from the soil, it is essential that we have a deep
understanding of the processes of soil carbon storage. As the microbial activities in
the soil largely regulate its functions, including soil carbon sequestration, it is
important to gain deeper insights into the soil microbial world to address the issues
of climate change and food security.
Keywords Soil microorganisms · Soil functions · Ecosystem sustainability ·
Carbon sequestration · Climate change · Food security
1.1 Unexplored Soil Microbial World: A Solution
for the Multiple Challenges
Our rapidly and ever-increasing burgeoning population is projected to be 8.5 billion
in 2025 (FAO 2013). At least a 50% increase in food production is needed to balance the nutrition of 1 billion undernourished and 1 billion malnourished people