Microbial Processes in the Soil Environment

Dear Colleagues,

The study of microbial processes in the soil environment holds paramount importance as it unravels the intricate and indispensable role played by soil microorganisms in our agroecosystems. These microorganisms are the unsung heroes beneath our feet, governing soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage, thus influencing agriculture, climate change mitigation, and global food security. Furthermore, understanding their involvement in bioremediation aids in addressing environmental pollution, while their potential in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology offers innovative solutions for a sustainable future. This Special Issue provides a vital platform for disseminating knowledge that is fundamental to our efforts in preserving the health of our soils, ecosystems, and the planet as a whole.

The current Special Issue will provide opportunities to researchers and environmental professionals to discuss challenges and achievements regarding microbial processes. Laboratory and field studies on microbial processes in the soil environment with novel research outcomes are warmly welcomed.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Role of microbes in nutrient cycling in agroecosystem;
• Modern methods to identify active microbial communities in the environment, i.e., high-throughput DNA/RNA sequencing, PLFA, and DNA-SIP;
• Identification and quantification of putative functional genes involved in soil functioning via PCR and qPCR;
• Microbial contributions to soil carbon sequestration;
• Role of microbial enzymes in catalyzing key soil processes;
• Omics techniques to decipher the functional potential and metabolic pathways of soil microbial communities;
• Microbial resilience in changing environments;
• Microbial contributions to soil fertility;
• Mitigation of contaminants by new bioremediation techniques;
• Adaptation and absorption capacity of microbes against heavy metals;
• Microbial–plant interaction.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Microorganisms.

Dr. Qichun Zhang
Dr. Abbas Ali Abid
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• soil-plant-microbe interaction
• metabolic pathways
• omics techniques
• nutrient cycling in agroecosystems
• soil fertility
• microbial enzymes
• microbial bioremediation
• heavy metal tolerant strain
• heavy metal and nutrient interaction