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Understanding the functional dynamics of soil biota is essential for elucidating ecosystem processes and promoting sustainable land management. This research article explores various biochemical and physiological methodologies employed to study soil biota and their functions. By integrating these approaches, researchers can gain insights into the complex interactions and metabolic activities of soil organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and microfauna. This review highlights key techniques such as microbial respiration assays, enzyme activity measurements, stable isotope probing, and metagenomics, emphasizing their roles in advancing soil biology and ecology.
Soil biota play a critical role in ecosystem functioning by driving processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil structure formation [1]. This article reviews the methodologies used to study the functional dynamics of soil biota, focusing on biochemical and physiological approaches. Techniques such as microbial respiration assays, enzyme activity measurements, stable isotope probing, and metagenomics are discussed for their ability to provide insights into the complex interactions and metabolic activities of soil organisms. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for advancing soil biology and ecology, as well as for informing sustainable land management practices
