Ecological significance of soil microbes in sustaining soil health through nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and structural integrity

Soil microbial communities are central to nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and the maintenance of soil structural integrity, underpinning long-term soil health and ecosystem resilience. This study systematically reviewed recent literature following PRISMA guidelines, complemented by bibliometric analysis using Scopus and ScienceDirect databases. From an initial pool of 2,582 articles (2020–2025), 39 studies were selected based on rigorous relevance and quality criteria. The findings highlight key microbial processes, including organic matter decomposition, biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and other vital nutrients that collectively enhance nutrient bioavailability, carbon stabilization, and soil aggregation. Bibliometric analysis revealed emerging research trends emphasizing microbial-mediated ecosystem services and sustainable soil management, particularly the increasing focus on microbial inoculants and climate resilience. Compared to the transient benefits and ecological costs associated with chemical fertilizers, microbial-based approaches offer a nature-driven solution for maintaining soil fertility and promoting long-term agricultural sustainability. This study advocates a framework shift toward integrating soil microbial technologies into management practices to secure food security, restore degraded soils, and mitigate environmental impacts. By providing a mechanistic understanding of microbial functions, this study underscores the ecological significance of soil microbes as pivotal agents of sustainable land management.