Linking microbial networks, carbon dynamics and human health in natural and managed landscapes
Abstract
Microbial communities are fundamental drivers of ecosystem processes, shaping carbon cycling, nutrient availability and soil fertility. Their interactions with plants, soil and environmental conditions influence ecosystem productivity and resilience, with cascading effects on human health and well-being. In both natural and managed landscapes, understanding the connections among microbial networks, carbon dynamics and health outcomes is critical for sustainable ecosystem management. This review synthesizes evidence on the role of microbial networks in carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas flux regulation and soil-plant interactions and explores how these processes link to human health via ecosystem services, air quality and nutrition. We discuss the implications for natural ecosystems, agricultural lands and urban landscapes, emphasizing multiscale integration from microbial to societal levels. The article underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches combining microbial ecology, ecosystem science and public health to inform landscape management and climate adaptation strategies.