How soil microbes may control the future of our planet
Phys.org • • science
Key Points:
- Soil acts as a major carbon reservoir, storing up to three times more carbon than the atmosphere, making it crucial in climate change dynamics.
- A 12-year study in Oklahoma found that soil moisture levels determine whether carbon remains in the soil or is released, with wetter soils retaining more carbon.
- Warming combined with drought conditions led to a 12.2% loss in soil carbon, while warm and wet conditions increased soil carbon by 6.7%, driven primarily by microbial activity rather than plant growth.
- Soil microbes under hot and dry conditions consume more carbon for survival, releasing it as CO2, whereas in warm and wet soils, microbes grow more and waste less carbon.
- The study highlights that microbes can break down stable, ancient soil carbon during droughts, potentially releasing large amounts of carbon previously thought secure, indicating climate models must include microbial behavior for accuracy.
