Microorganisms are regarded as central drivers of carbon and nutrient cycling in soil. Still, the integration of microbial functions into biogeochemical processes often relies on simplified assumptions of cell physiology, with little insights into actual growth dynamics and interactions among microbial groups. Exploring microbial physiology in the heterogeneous soil system is methodologically challenging. Developing fields of –omics, microscopy, spectroscopy or isotope labeling allow direct analyses of microbial activity in soil, while the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge from microbiological studies of the organisms itself adds important new perspectives. Such detailed understanding of microbial communities is crucial to understand biogeochemical processes across temporal and spatial scales.
In this session we invite research exploring microbial growth, turnover and activity from individuals to complex communities with a focus on their impact on biogeochemical processes in soil. Contributions may provide a broad overview on latest developments in the field of soil microbial ecology, ranging from studies under controlled conditions with microbial isolates to analyses in soil using advanced analytical tools. We welcome studies working with whole soil microbial communities as well as those with a focus on chosen microbial groups. Highlighting understudied microbial groups like fungi and protists is highly appreciated, as well as trophic interactions with mesofauna or viruses. Biogeochemical processes may cover the whole field, including classical studies of litter decomposition, nutrient dynamics and ecological stoichiometry, carbon cycling via microbial residues (necromass, EPS..) or methane and nitrous oxide production.