Microbial Contribution to the Carbon Balance: Soils CO2 Emission and Sequestration

The diversity of metabolic pathways by which organisms process organic matter under different conditions reflects the amazing adaptability of living beings and their ability to actively function in various ecological niches. The key aspects of these processes are aerobic and anaerobic ways of splitting the initial substances. The review summarizes the role of microorganisms in soil gas exchange associated with the carbon cycle. The contribution of individual groups of microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, algae) to the carbon cycle is considered. It is shown that the influence of the microbial community on the carbon cycle in the soil is most likely determined by life strategies that are deeply rooted in the evolutionary history of microorganisms (functional groups of microbes are formed at the level of families or phyla, rather than species or genera). Fungal and bacterial biomass are key components of the soils microbial community, significantly affecting carbon metabolism. Algae, as autotrophic organisms, also contribute to carbon cycle processes by absorbing CO2 and participating in the organic matter formation. Despite the lack of data on the specific impact of soil algae on the carbon balance, their role in the global carbon cycle cannot be ignored. Thus, there is potential for the use of soil microorganisms or their management to offset carbon dioxide emissions.