Linking soil microbial dynamics, wetland ecosystem function and social-ecological health: Multiscale perspectives in ecology
Abstract
Soil microbial communities underpin fundamental ecosystem processes, including nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration and stress resilience, yet their role in linking ecological function with human health remains underexplored. Wetlands, as critical transitional ecosystems, amplify the influence of microbial dynamics on ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, water purification and greenhouse gas regulation. Concurrently, human activities and social-ecological systems interact with microbial-mediated processes, creating feedback loops that shape both environmental and societal outcomes. This article synthesizes multiscale perspectives on soil microbial ecology, wetland function and SES integration. Drawing upon terrestrial, coastal and agricultural case studies, we highlight the mechanisms through which microbial communities influence ecosystem resilience and human well-being, offering insights for sustainable management under global environmental change.