Soil microbiome and sustainable water resources management under the influence of climate change: A comprehensive review

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and regulating water dynamics, particularly in the context of climate change. These microbial communities play a vital role in nutrient cycling, the decomposition of organic matter, and enhancing soil structure and water retention. Climate-induced changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can significantly alter microbial diversity and functionality, thereby affecting ecosystem stability and agricultural productivity. This comprehensive review synthesizes current advances in understanding the interactions between soil microbiota and water resource management under climatic stress. Microbial-mediated strategies to enhance water use efficiency, the role of biofertilizers, and sustainable soil management practices have been highlighted. Furthermore, the review identifies critical knowledge gaps, highlights innovative tools such as metagenomics and AI-driven monitoring systems, and proposes integrated approaches to scale microbial solutions across diverse agroecosystems. Addressing these aspects is crucial to harnessing microbial functions and developing climate-resilient, water-efficient agricultural systems.