A framework for soil microbial ecology in urban ecosystems

Nearly all ecosystems host diverse microbiomes that support vital ecosystem processes. At the same time, these and their are increasingly altered by human activities, particularly in highly managed urban environments. While microbial ecologists beginning to understand drivers of assembly link between community structure function many ecosystems, few advances have been applied ecosystems. In this synthesis, we review research on soil microbiome develop a framework integrate communities with function. We identify disturbance, resources, heterogeneity as key through which activities including development affect soils resident microorganisms. Steep environmental gradients systems present unique opportunity address fundamental questions ecology, such how microbes respond stress biogeochemical rates relate diversity composition. Soil cities also provide services harms, making it crucial activity drives those functions consequences for health. argue much-needed integration across disturbance ecology will help generate practical equitable strategies managing benefits where most humans now live.