Role of microbes in organic carbon decomposition and maintenance of soil ecosystem

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is simultaneously a source and sink for nutrients and plays a vital role in soil fertility maintenance. Several Microorganisms are present in soil ecosystem and they have various properties to decompose the organic carbon fraction like Cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses, chitin and lipids present in soil organic matter. Decomposition is a mostly microbially mediated process, although its actual rate and extend are influenced by environmental variables, including soil temperature, moisture, oxygen, nitrogen content, the quality and quantity of available carbon substrates as well as soil management. Decomposition of soil organic carbon (SOC) is a critical component of the global carbon cycle, and accurate estimates of SOC decomposition are important for forest carbon modeling and ultimately for decision making relative to carbon sequestration and mitigation of global climate change. The sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition to global environmental change is a topic of prominent relevance for the global carbon cycle. This review discusses the major role of different microorganisms in organic carbon decomposition and maintenance of soil ecosystem.