Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yongxing Cui, Shushi Peng, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Matthias C. Rillig, Cesar Terrer, Biao Zhu, Xin Jing, Ji Chen, Jinquan Li, Jiao Feng, Yue He, Linchuan Fang, Daryl L. Moorhead, Robert L. Sinsabaugh, Josep Penuelas
Summary: This study provides the first global estimates of soil microbial carbon limitation, challenging the conventional hypothesis of ubiquitous C limitation. It also highlights the importance of plant litter as a dominant carbon source for microbial acquisition and the significant influence of latitudinal patterns on predicted carbon limitation.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Jie Chen, Bin Jia, Shu Gang, Yawen Li, Fen-Can Li, Xiao Ming Mou, Yakov Kuzyakov, Xiao Gang Li
Summary: This study compares the effects of different plant communities on soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus mineralization in an alpine meadow. The results show that under shrubs, the rates of nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization in soil are significantly higher, while the increase in organic carbon mineralization is smaller. Furthermore, the decoupling of organic carbon and nutrient mineralization is driven by microbial stoichiometry.
BIOLOGY AND FERTILITY OF SOILS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Genesis Parada-Pozo, Leon A. Bravo, Patricia L. Saez, Lohengrin A. Cavieres, Marjorie Reyes-Diaz, Sebastian Abades, Fernando D. Alfaro, Rodrigo De la Iglesia, Nicole Trefault
Summary: This study characterized the diversity and composition of microorganisms in the rhizosphere of Antarctic vascular plants and evaluated the effect of soil warming on microbial communities. The results showed that eukaryotic communities in the rhizosphere were more sensitive to warming compared to bacterial communities.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Zhi-Xing Lu, Ping Wang, Han-Biao Ou, Shuo-Xing Wei, Li-Chao Wu, Yi Jiang, Ren-Jie Wang, Xiong-Sheng Liu, Zhi-Hui Wang, Li-Jun Chen, Zhi-Ming Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that artificial vegetation restoration modes have a significant impact on soil microbial community structure and biochemical properties in karst areas. Among the different restoration modes, the deciduous broad-leaved treatment was the most effective in improving soil nutrients and microbial populations. Artificial restoration can enhance soil nutrient contents, enzyme activities, and microbial biomass, promoting rapid vegetation restoration after land abandonment. Soil pH, microbial biomass carbon, and urease activity are key driving factors in shaping the soil bacterial community structure. The results highlight the importance of implementing appropriate vegetation restoration measures to effectively manage and restore karst areas.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bademu Qiqige, Bin Wei, Yuqi Wei, Mohan Liu, Yixian Bi, Ruixuan Xu, Nan Liu, Gaowen Yang, Yingjun Zhang
Summary: Livestock grazing and climate factors have significant impacts on soil microbial communities in grassland ecosystems. Climate factors, such as mean annual temperature and precipitation, are important predictors of bacteria diversity, while grazing intensity mainly affects fungi diversity. The interaction between climate factors and grazing intensity also influences vegetation and soil physiochemical properties. Climate factors contribute more to bacteria community variation than grazing intensity, while grazing intensity has a greater impact on fungi community variation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Madhav P. Thakur, Wim H. van Der Putten, Fariha Apon, Ezio Angelini, Branko Vres, Stefan Geisen
Summary: Climate change can disrupt food chains, affecting predator-prey relationships in microbial communities. Extreme heat events can have a more detrimental impact on microbial prey communities than on their predators, possibly due to thermal acclimation mechanisms in predators. The resilience of predators and prey in rhizosphere microbial communities may vary based on species-specific effects and time dynamics.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Yuan Sun, Cuiting Wang, Jinyan Yang, Jiahui Liao, Han Y. H. Chen, Honghua Ruan
Summary: The study conducted a global meta-analysis to investigate the effects of elevated CO2 on soil microbial communities. The results showed that elevated CO2 shifts soil microbial communities from K-to r-strategists, with different microbial attributes responding to elevated CO2 concentrations and experimental durations. Responses of microbial communities to elevated CO2 did not significantly differ across different ecosystems.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Taylor J. Seitz, Ursel M. E. Schuette, Devin M. Drown
Summary: This study investigates the impact of soil disturbance on microbial communities and their functional composition, and how these changes can affect plant growth and ecosystem health. The results show that soil disturbance leads to significant shifts in microbial communities, with certain microbial families associated with plant growth promoters being less abundant in disturbed soil compared to undisturbed soil. On the other hand, microbial families associated with agricultural pathogens are overrepresented in disturbed soil. The study also suggests that soil disturbance influences microbial community function, including mechanisms involved in plant pathogenicity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Huaying Hu, Saima Umbreen, Yanlin Zhang, Mingzhuo Bao, Caifeng Huang, Chuifan Zhou
Summary: The study found that the chemical diversity of soil DOM increased with the duration of vegetation restoration, impacting the composition of the soil microbial community. The stability of DOM was related to its double-bond equivalents, and the responses of soil bacteria and fungi to vegetation restoration efforts varied, potentially due to changes in soil chemical composition.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chandra N. Jack, Renee H. Petipas, Tanya E. Cheeke, Jennifer L. Rowland, Maren L. Friesen
Summary: Microbial inoculants have gained popularity for regulating plant traits and productivity in the past decade as a sustainable and gentle alternative to fertilizers, pesticides, and genetic modification. However, the potential for microbial invasions poses a risk, leading to the need for measures outlined in the TREE approach to prevent such invasions and stimulate proactive discussions on best practices.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaojie Wang, Zhiqiang Yu, Guofeng Shen, Hefa Cheng, Shu Tao
Summary: This study investigated the spatial distribution of bacterial communities in seasonally frozen soil on the Tibetan Plateau and their relationships with environmental factors. The results showed that soil depth had different impacts on bacterial diversity, composition, and specific taxa, which were mainly determined by various environmental factors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junping Liu, Yujie Tang, Jiashu Bao, Hankun Wang, Fangren Peng, Mengyun Chen, Pengpeng Tan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of pecan age on microbial communities using MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that the bacterial alpha diversity in pecan plantations was significantly influenced by age, while fungal alpha diversity was less affected. Pecan age had a significant impact on both bacterial and fungal community structure, and also altered the composition of fungal communities. Soil pH and available phosphorus were identified as important factors driving microbial community structure.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Miao-ping Xu, Jia-yi Wang, Yu-fan Zhu, Xin-hui Han, Cheng-jie Ren, Gai-he Yang
Summary: The study found that herb communities, soil microbial biomass, and enzyme activities were strongly affected by vegetation restoration, with significant differences in soil bacterial and fungal communities among sites. Correlation analysis showed that litter biomass and fine root biomass were significantly positively correlated with the Chao index of soil bacteria, soil microbial biomass, enzyme activities, Proteobacteria, Zygomycota, and Cercozoa, while negatively correlated with Actinobacteria and Basidiomycota. Additionally, soil water content, pH, and nutrients had important effects on the bacterial and fungal diversities, with influences on Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Nitrospirae, Zygomycota, and microbial biomass.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lingjuan Li, Qiang Lin, Ivan Nijs, Hans De Boeck, Gerrit T. S. Beemster, Han Asard, Erik Verbruggen
Summary: A soil history of exposure to extreme weather may impact future plant growth and microbial community assembly. Little is known about how previous precipitation regime-induced changes in soil microbial communities influence plant and soil microbial community responses to a subsequent precipitation regime. This study provides experimental evidence for soil legacy of climate persistence on grassland ecosystems in response to subsequent climate persistence.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Yu, Qiang Yin, Jianming Niu, Zhijian Yan, Hui Wang, Yuqing Wang, Dima Chen
Summary: In this study conducted in the Kubuqi Desert, China, the effects of shrub and grass patches on soil microbial community diversity were assessed. The research found that soil microbial alpha diversity was influenced by successional stage, but not by patch type. Soil microbial beta diversity, on the other hand, was greatly affected by both successional stage and patch type. The study also identified soil organic carbon as the main driving factor behind changes in microbial diversity.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
D. J. Kotze, H. Setala
Summary: In urban environments, recalcitrant woody material decomposes slower while labile litter decomposes faster in open urban habitats. This may be due to the reduced abundance of saprotrophic fungi in urban environments and environmental factors favoring bacterial activity in open habitats.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maija Taka, Nora Sillanpaa, Tero Niemi, Lassi Warsta, Teemu Kokkonen, Heikki Setala
Summary: The study reveals the spatio-temporal patterns of stormwater metal concentrations and loads in urbanized and rural catchments, with a seasonal relationship between catchment urban intensity and metal export. The study also emphasizes the importance of catchment-scale management designs to address diffuse pollutant sources in urban areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Changyi Lu, D. Johan Kotze, Heikki M. Setala
Summary: The study found that plant functional type influences soil nitrogen dynamics in urban greenspace soils, potentially due to its effect on earthworm biomass. Evergreen trees have the highest ability to promote nitrogen accumulation and reduce nitrous oxide emissions in urban parks. Additionally, the age of the park affects nitrogen accumulation under trees and lawns, highlighting the role of vegetation in influencing soil nitrogen dynamics in urban greenspaces.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haoxin Tan, Xinxin Liu, Shan Yin, Chang Zhao, Lantian Su, Song Wang, Muhammad Khalid, Heikki Setala, Nan Hui
Summary: Heavy metals (HMs) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in roadside soils have detrimental effects on soil microorganisms and public health. In this study, soil samples were collected from 84 roadside locations in Shanghai to assess the levels of HMs, TPHs, and their impact on bacterial and fungal communities. Results showed that HMs exceeded background levels, while TPH levels were comparable to unpolluted sites. Bacterial networks decreased significantly under HM stress, while fungal networks remained unchanged. This suggests that harmful fungi may pose threats to the health of urban dwellers, despite the stable response of fungal communities to environmental stresses.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juanjo Galan, Francisco Galiana, D. Johan Kotze, Kevin Lynch, Daniele Torreggiani, Bas Pedroli
Summary: The development of landscape adaptation planning for climate change relies on understanding the unique characteristics of the landscape and its inhabitants, including spatial patterns, culture, governance systems, socio-economic structures, planning methods, history, and collectively envisioned futures. This requires a systemic and integrative approach to address various drivers of change, challenges, and interests.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lotta Oksanen, Mikko Auvinen, Joel Kuula, Rasmus Malmgren, Martin Romantschuk, Antti Hyvarinen, Sirpa Laitinen, Leena Maunula, Enni Sanmark, Ahmed Geneid, Svetlana Sofieva, Julija Salokas, Helin Veskivali, Tarja Sironen, Tiia Gronholm, Antti Hellsten, Nina Atanasova
Summary: COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of indoor risk-reduction strategies. This study simulated a dining situation in a restaurant and investigated indoor transmission. Three risk-reduction strategies were studied, and the results showed that air purifiers can effectively reduce the infection probability.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoxiao Li, Xiaoyan Qi, Xinxin Liu, Muhammad Khalid, Jieqi Ye, Martin Romantschuk, Fu Chen, Yinfeng Hua, Nan Hui
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) enter forest and turf-grass and non-edible crops through sludge land reuse, posing risks to human health and environmental security. PET MPs have effects on sludge-straw composting and microbial communities, delaying composting humification and altering community composition. Plastics degradation microbiota are enriched in the plastisphere, especially during high thermophilic stage, indicating potential for development of future aerobic fermentation technology for MPs degradation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Heikki Setala, Zhong Jie Sun, Jun Qiang Zheng, Changyi Lu, Ming Ming Cui, Shi Jie Han
Summary: Climate warming is expected to affect terrestrial biogeochemical cycles by altering plant litter input to soils. However, the mechanisms behind the priming effect (PE) are not well understood due to limited research. Our long-term field study shows that increased litter supply can significantly influence soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Marleena Hagner, Ida Pohjanlehto, Visa Nuutinen, Heikki Setala, Sannakajsa Velmala, Eero Vesterinen, Taina Pennanen, Riitta Lemola, Krista Peltoniemi
Summary: Intensified arable farming leads to reduced biodiversity and functional groups of soil biota. Organic farming with slurry fertilization and long crop rotation cycles promotes soil fauna diversity. However, faunal responses to agricultural practices may vary between northern and southern latitudes due to differences in soil types, climate conditions, and management intensity.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muhammad Khalid, Xinxin Liu, Bangxiao Zheng, Lantian Su, D. Johan Kotze, Heikki Setala, Mehran Ali, Asad Rehman, Saeed-ur-Rahman, Nan Hui
Summary: To address global antibiotic resistance, a one-health concept recognizing the interdependency between humans, animals, and the environment is necessary. A study using the GeoChip 5.0 strategy examined the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in urban parks and reference forests across three climatic regions. Multidrug resistance genes (MRGs) were the most abundant and accounted for 90% of all ARGs detected. The study found that ARG profiles differed between urban parks and climatic regions, with the tropical region having a higher relative abundance of ARGs compared to the boreal and temperate regions. Additionally, urban parks had a significantly higher abundance of ARGs compared to forests.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiaoxiao Li, Xinxin Liu, Junren Zhang, Fu Chen, Muhammad Khalid, Jieqi Ye, Martin Romantschuk, Nan Hui
Summary: This research investigated the degradation properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by PET hydrolase (WCCG) in high-temperature composting and its impact on microbial communities. The study found that the addition of WCCG enzyme slowed down the degradation of PET and reduced the abundance of thermophilic bacteria. However, potential PET degrading microbiota, such as Acinetobacter and Bacillus, were enriched in the composters where PET was reduced without WCCG addition. The external introduction of the WCCG enzyme to the compost reacted with PET and inhibited the proliferation of plastic-degrading bacteria, resulting in a 35% degradation of PET. The research suggests that both the WCCG enzyme and the microbiota associated with plastic-degradation have the potential to reduce PET, providing a novel method for mitigating pollution caused by environmental microplastics.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rasmus Malmgren, Hanna Vaelimaa, Lotta Oksanen, Enni Sanmark, Petra Nikuri, Paavo Heikkilae, Jani Hakala, Aleksi Ahola, Simeoni Yli-Urpo, Ville Palomaeki, Eija Asmi, Svetlana Sofieva, Antti Rostedt, Sirpa Laitinen, Martin Romantschuk, Tarja Sironen, Nina Atanasova, Susanna Paju, Laura Lahdentausta-Suomalainen
Summary: This study investigated the generation and spread of virus-containing aerosols in dental procedures. The air-water syringe produced the highest number of aerosols and spread infectious virus-containing aerosols throughout the room. High-volume evacuation (HVE) reduced aerosol concentrations but did not fully prevent virus spread. Meticulous use of HVE, well-fitting masks, and face shields are recommended to minimize the risk of infection during dental procedures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Martin Romantschuk, Katariina Lahti-Leikas, Merja Kontro, Polina Galitskaya, Harri Talvenmaki, Suvi Simpanen, John A. Allen, Aki Sinkkonen
Summary: Bioremediation by in situ biostimulation is an attractive alternative to excavation of contaminated soil. However, its wide implementation has been limited due to highly variable results in realistic field conditions. This review focuses on evaluating the performance of indigenous microbial degraders and identifying and removing bottlenecks for organic pollutant degradation. Additional factors such as bioavailability, pH, distribution of contaminants, soil structure and moisture, and potential of bioaugmentation are discussed. Enhancing biostimulation through chemical/physical means and tools for assessing sustainability and risk assessment are also suggested.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yuan Wang, Jari Niemela, D. Johan Kotze
Summary: Urban greenspace provides important cultural ecosystem services (CES) to citizens, but the interaction between landscape features and land use contexts in influencing CES remains unclear. This study compared the CES of 20 urban forest patches in Helsinki, Finland, and found that maintaining large urban forests is more effective in promoting CES in high-density areas, while in low-density areas, small forests with open greenspace in the surroundings also contribute to CES experiences.