Plant–soil microbe interactions and their effect on CO₂ emissions under different tillage practices

Plant–soil microbes play a vital role in carbon cycling, influencing the decomposition of organic matter. They contribute to the stabilization of organic carbon and its turnover in the soil. Despite the vivid contribution of soil microbes to the carbon cycle, the role of plant–soil microbe interactions in carbon dioxide emissions under different tillage practices is poorly understood, and information on this topic is still scanty. In the recent past, concerns have accrued about rising atmospheric carbon levels, making it imperative to review and understand the contribution of microbial activities to CO₂ emissions under different tillage practices. After collating different information, we found that soils under different tillage practices have involved emissions of organic carbon in the form of CO₂ into the atmosphere caused by microbial activities. Similarly, tillage practices have been found to profoundly affect the interactions and availability of fungi and rhizosphere microbes, which play a pivotal role in litter decomposition and carbon cycling. In addition, it is found that carbon cycling may be influenced by nutrient limitations, especially nitrogen limitations, and a close relationship exists between tillage practices, nitrogen availability, and carbon cycling. Considering the major impact of soil microbe interactions from a carbon cycle perspective, this review highlights their significance in CO₂ emissions, with a key focus on their role within the rhizosphere, as it is influenced by tillage practices. Therefore, future studies will lead to a better understanding of their potential role in meeting global climate targets and predictions of the global warming potential of agricultural operations.