Role of Environmental Factors Influencing Microbes and Microbiomes for Ecosystem Restoration

Ecosystem degradation poses a significant and growing environmental threat. Restoring degraded ecosystems is vital to restoring their ability to provide essential services and benefits. In 2021, the United Nations declared the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration to emphasize the importance of coordinated efforts in this area. Microbes, with their stress tolerance, genetic diversity, adaptation to various conditions, and capacity to break down substances, are crucial for ecosystem sustainability. Their critical functions are vital in restoring ecosystem function and biodiversity. This chapter describes the role of microbes in a microbiome and their interactions, instilling optimism about their potential. It also covers how various factors shape the soil microbiome spatially and temporally. Soil microorganisms such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi are found around, on, and in plant roots, and they play an essential role in responding to abiotic stressors. Factors like soil conditions, geographical and climatic factors, and stressors like drought, pollutants, and salinity can result in distinct microbial compositions and characteristics. This chapter provides an in-depth overview of how these factors can impact soil microbial communities and their role in ecological restoration. This chapter also covers beneficial microbiomebased strategies, including microbial engineering for ecosystem restoration. These strategies are essential and a source of hope for the future.

Keywords: Abiotic stressors, Ecosystem restoration, Environmental factors, Microbes, Microbiome.