Soil Carbon Sequestration and Microbial Energy Metabolism, Volume III

This Research Topic is Volume III of a series. The previous volume, which has attracted over 23.6k views can be found here: Volume II: Soil Carbon Sequestration and Microbial Energy MetabolismVolume I: Climate Change and Soil Microbial Control of Carbon SequestrationMicrobial activity in soil predominantly influences the sequestration and dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC), acting as the core regulator through various biochemical reactions. Current knowledge shifts towards the belief that organic matter in soil is primarily used by microbes for energy rather than direct carbon storage. Despite microbes contributing just 1%-3% to the SOC pool, they are fundamental in driving oxidation-reduction processes, altering carbon oxidation states that directly tie to energy storage capacities. This microbial processing of energy not only affects organic carbon storage by plants but also their subsequent availability in food webs, highlighting the crucial role of microbes in managing energy and carbon flows within soils. Nevertheless, detailed mechanisms through which microbial metabolism sustains soil functionality remain poorly understood.Over recent decades, a surge in research has delved into the interplay between soil microbes and carbon cycling, propelled by the increased recognition of their pivotal role in global carbon regulation. The persistent expansion of studies in microbial ecology underlines a universal consensus on the decisive function of microbial activity in maintaining the soil's carbon reservoirs. Despite significant advances, the specific impacts of microbial energy metabolism on soil carbon stabilization are still not clearly defined, with existing models and theories continuing to evolve.This Research Topic focuses on unraveling the complexities of soil carbon sequestration and microbial energy metabolism. To expand our understanding we welcome a variety of submissions including original research, systematic reviews, and hypothesis and theory articles. We are particularly interested in contributions that• Explore the interconnections between microbial energy pathways and SOC formation.• Investigate the dynamics and fluxes of soil carbon within microbial networks.• Study microbial energy processes during carbon sequestration.• Examine microbial structure and function in relation to carbon sequestration efficiency.• Develop innovative methodologies for linking microbial energy to SOC.• Analyze the functional interactions within soil microbial communities.Through fostering interdisciplinary research blending soil science, microbial ecology, and environmental science, this topic aims to pioneer new insights into microbial roles in carbon sequestration, potentially leading to more effective carbon management strategies in response to global climate challenges. Topic editors: Zhi-kun Chen, Yanyan Zhang, Lijun Hou, Sen Yang, Haihe Gao Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81682/soil-carbon-sequestration-and-microbial-energy-metabolism-volume-iii