Sustainable ecosystem services: Interactions among land management, water conservation and soil fungal communities
Abstract
Sustainable ecosystem services are increasingly threatened by land-use change, water scarcity and disruptions to soil microbial communities. Soil fungi, as key mediators of nutrient cycling, plant health and soil structure, play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem function, particularly under water-limited conditions. Integrating land management strategies with water conservation practices can enhance soil fungal diversity and resilience, thereby sustaining ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, crop productivity and biodiversity support. This article synthesizes current knowledge on the interactions among land management, water conservation and soil fungal communities, highlighting their implications for ecological sustainability. Drawing from case studies in agricultural, dryland and riparian systems, we propose an integrative framework for managing soils and water to optimize ecosystem services in the context of global environmental change.