Biogeochemical Cycles in Plant–Soil Systems: Significance for Agriculture, Interconnections, and Anthropogenic Disruptions
Biogeochemical cycles are fundamental to the functioning of plant–soil systems, driving the availability and transfer of essential nutrients (like carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S)) as well as beneficial elements (like silicon (Si)). These interconnected cycles regulate ecosys...
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| author | Wajid Zaman Asma Ayaz Daniel Puppe |
| author_facet | Wajid Zaman Asma Ayaz Daniel Puppe |
| author_sort | Wajid Zaman |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Biogeochemical cycles are fundamental to the functioning of plant–soil systems, driving the availability and transfer of essential nutrients (like carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S)) as well as beneficial elements (like silicon (Si)). These interconnected cycles regulate ecosystem productivity, biodiversity, and resilience, forming the basis of critical ecosystem services. This review explores the mechanisms and dynamics of biogeochemical C, N, P, S, and Si cycles, emphasizing their roles in nutrient/element cycling, plant growth, and soil health, especially in agricultural plant–soil systems. The coupling between these cycles, facilitated mainly by microbial communities, highlights the complexity of nutrient/element interactions and corresponding implications for ecosystem functioning and stability. Human activities including industrial agriculture, deforestation, and pollution disrupt the underlying natural processes leading to nutrient/element imbalances, soil degradation, and susceptibility to climate impacts. Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and real-time soil monitoring offer innovative solutions for studying and managing biogeochemical cycles. These tools enable precise nutrient/element management, identification of ecosystem vulnerabilities, and the development of sustainable practices. Despite significant progress, research gaps remain, particularly in understanding the interlinkages between biogeochemical cycles and their responses to global change. This review underscores the need for integrated approaches that combine interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, and sustainable land-use strategies to mitigate human-induced disruptions and enhance ecosystem resilience. By addressing these challenges, biogeochemical processes and corresponding critical ecosystem services can be safeguarded, ensuring the sustainability of plant–soil systems in the face of environmental change. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-18f897a1f590420f968efe9e9f4eefdc |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2079-7737 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| spelling | doaj-art-18f897a1f590420f968efe9e9f4eefdc2025-08-20T02:17:25ZengMDPI AGBiology2079-77372025-04-0114443310.3390/biology14040433Biogeochemical Cycles in Plant–Soil Systems: Significance for Agriculture, Interconnections, and Anthropogenic DisruptionsWajid Zaman0Asma Ayaz1Daniel Puppe2Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of KoreaFaculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, ChinaLeibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, GermanyBiogeochemical cycles are fundamental to the functioning of plant–soil systems, driving the availability and transfer of essential nutrients (like carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S)) as well as beneficial elements (like silicon (Si)). These interconnected cycles regulate ecosystem productivity, biodiversity, and resilience, forming the basis of critical ecosystem services. This review explores the mechanisms and dynamics of biogeochemical C, N, P, S, and Si cycles, emphasizing their roles in nutrient/element cycling, plant growth, and soil health, especially in agricultural plant–soil systems. The coupling between these cycles, facilitated mainly by microbial communities, highlights the complexity of nutrient/element interactions and corresponding implications for ecosystem functioning and stability. Human activities including industrial agriculture, deforestation, and pollution disrupt the underlying natural processes leading to nutrient/element imbalances, soil degradation, and susceptibility to climate impacts. Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and real-time soil monitoring offer innovative solutions for studying and managing biogeochemical cycles. These tools enable precise nutrient/element management, identification of ecosystem vulnerabilities, and the development of sustainable practices. Despite significant progress, research gaps remain, particularly in understanding the interlinkages between biogeochemical cycles and their responses to global change. This review underscores the need for integrated approaches that combine interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, and sustainable land-use strategies to mitigate human-induced disruptions and enhance ecosystem resilience. By addressing these challenges, biogeochemical processes and corresponding critical ecosystem services can be safeguarded, ensuring the sustainability of plant–soil systems in the face of environmental change.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/4/433ecosystem servicesglobal changenutrient dynamicscarbon sequestrationmicrobial communitiesecosystem resilience |
| spellingShingle | Wajid Zaman Asma Ayaz Daniel Puppe Biogeochemical Cycles in Plant–Soil Systems: Significance for Agriculture, Interconnections, and Anthropogenic Disruptions Biology ecosystem services global change nutrient dynamics carbon sequestration microbial communities ecosystem resilience |
| title | Biogeochemical Cycles in Plant–Soil Systems: Significance for Agriculture, Interconnections, and Anthropogenic Disruptions |
| title_full | Biogeochemical Cycles in Plant–Soil Systems: Significance for Agriculture, Interconnections, and Anthropogenic Disruptions |
| title_fullStr | Biogeochemical Cycles in Plant–Soil Systems: Significance for Agriculture, Interconnections, and Anthropogenic Disruptions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Biogeochemical Cycles in Plant–Soil Systems: Significance for Agriculture, Interconnections, and Anthropogenic Disruptions |
| title_short | Biogeochemical Cycles in Plant–Soil Systems: Significance for Agriculture, Interconnections, and Anthropogenic Disruptions |
| title_sort | biogeochemical cycles in plant soil systems significance for agriculture interconnections and anthropogenic disruptions |
| topic | ecosystem services global change nutrient dynamics carbon sequestration microbial communities ecosystem resilience |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/4/433 |
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