Microbes in biogeochemical cycles: a perspective on climate resilient agriculture

Abstract

Abstract Microorganisms, which are ubiquitous players in all major agro-ecosystems, play important roles in biogeochemical cycles. Due to anthropogenic activities and current practices of agriculture, there has been interference in the natural cycling of essential elements and nutrients. A harmony in the functioning of natural biogeochemical cycles in the soil is essential for maintaining all life on Earth. Therefore, usage of beneficial soil microorganisms is important for sustaining agriculture due to poor soil health conditions that prevail because of excessive chemical inputs both in the past and present to increase crop yields. In this review, we focus on how the terrestrial soil microbes are involved in the interplay between biogeochemical cycles, sustainable agricultural practices, and climate change. We have highlighted the mechanisms by which microbes, through aiding the mineralization processes, support plant growth in cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Microorganisms further support plant growth to adapt to climate change although few specific mechanisms are known, but many others by which they aid plants remain enigmatic. Despite the various gaps that remain, we advocate that coupling biogeochemical cycles research with sustainable agricultural practices using plant-microbe interchange is highly warranted. Therefore, to feed a growing global population and to preserve ecosystem functions, we propose that the agricultural practices should be conducted in a manner to regulate greenhouse gases release and safeguard our environmental resources due to climate change.