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 within microbial groups. Exploring microbial physiology in heterogeneous soil systems is methodologically challenging, though developing fields of –omics, microscopy, spectroscopy or isotope labeling reveal new insights on microbial dynamics directly in soil. Likewise, 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 dynamics 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 including their trophic interactions as well as those with a focus on chosen microbial groups, with a special aim to highlight understudied microbial groups like fungi and protists, as well as viruses. Biogeochemical processes may include classical studies of litter decomposition, nutrient dynamics and ecological stoichiometry, as well as carbon cycling including microbial residue formation (necromass, EPS..) as carbon inputs to soil. Experimental designs range from soil microhabitats at the micrometer scale to global analyses, and temporal ranges from hours to years covering different dynamics and processes.