AI Article Synopsis

  • Soil ecosystems consist of complex networks of microorganisms, especially soil biofilms, which are key players in nutrient cycling and soil health.
  • Soil biofilms aid in degrading pollutants and enhancing detoxification through enzymes and gene transfer, while also forming beneficial relationships with plants to increase their resilience.
  • The review emphasizes the importance of biofilms in maintaining soil structure and water retention, and calls for further research to apply these insights for better agricultural practices and environmental sustainability.

Article Abstract

Soil ecosystems are complex networks of microorganisms that play pivotal roles in nutrient cycling, stress resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services. Among these microbial communities, soil biofilms, and complex aggregations of microorganisms embedded within extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) exert significant influence on soil health and function. This review delves into the dynamics of soil biofilms, highlighting their structural intricacies and the mechanisms by which they facilitate nutrient cycling, and discusses how biofilms enhance the degradation of pollutants through the action of extracellular enzymes and horizontal gene transfer, contributing to soil detoxification and fertility. Furthermore, the role of soil biofilms in stress resilience is underscored, as they form symbiotic relationships with plants, bolstering their growth and resistance to environmental stressors. The review also explores the ecological functions of biofilms in enhancing soil structure stability by promoting aggregate formation, which is crucial for water retention and aeration. By integrating these insights, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted benefits of biofilms in soil ecosystems. This knowledge is essential for developing strategies to manipulate soil biofilms to improve agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability. This review also identifies research gaps and emphasizes the need for practical applications of biofilms in sustainable agriculture.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122973DOI Listing

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