Integrating microbial function and social-ecological dynamics
Abstract
Ecosystem function and human well-being are increasingly influenced by the complex interplay between microbial communities and social-ecological systems. Soil and water microbes drive essential processes such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration and stress tolerance, forming the foundation of ecosystem resilience. Meanwhile, human activities, land-use decisions and governance frameworks shape these ecological processes, creating feedbacks that affect both environmental health and societal outcomes. This article synthesizes current understanding of microbial function within ecosystems and its integration with social-ecological dynamics. Case studies from coastal wetlands, terrestrial soils and agricultural systems illustrate how microbial processes mediate ecosystem services and how human interventions modulate resilience. By bridging microbiology, ecology and social sciences, this framework provides actionable insights for sustainable ecosystem management under global environmental change.