ABSTRACT
There are inextricable links between soil and plants. Soil is a vital component of the terrestrial ecosystem and plays an active role in all global biogeochemical cycles. Climate has the ability to alter the composition of plants and soil communities. However, very little information is available about the underlying mechanisms in the soil and the consequences for feedback to climate. Soil is the mother which feeds the whole of the Earth organism, and provides many services such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and food and fiber production. It is the biologically active ‘skin’ on this planet. However, in the modern era, the soil surface has become extremely susceptible to degradation, which currently affects some 15–17% of the total surface of the Earth. Consequently, these degraded lands have become marginal lands which are poor in food and fiber production and unable to cope with the burgeoning world population. In addition, soil biodiversity is being affected and food webs are coming under increased pressure. Yet the soil’s hidden diversity is vital for the ecological and biogeochemical functioning of the ecosystem. The decomposition of dead organic residues is one of the major ecosystem functions carried out by the soil organisms, along with the improvement of soil fertility, soil structure, carbon sequestration and plant growth. Thus, our understanding of the combined effects of soil biodiversity and climate change on ecosystem functions is central to our abilities to sustain the soils, increase food production and, ultimately, improve human well-being.
