Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) represents the largest terrestrial carbon pool, containing approximately 1,550 Pg of carbon globally, which is three times more than atmospheric CO₂. Under changing climate conditions, the stability of SOC depends critically on microbial community dynamics and their metabolic responses to environmental perturbations. This study examines the mechanisms by which microbial communities influence SOC stabilization through biochemical processes, physical protection, and ecosystem feedback loops. We analyzed microbial diversity patterns, enzymatic activities, and carbon cycling processes across different soil types and climate scenarios. Results indicate that microbial community composition significantly affects SOC persistence, with fungal-to-bacterial ratios serving as key indicators of carbon stability. Temperature increases of 2-4°C enhanced microbial respiration rates by 15-25%, while altered precipitation patterns shifted community structure toward more drought-tolerant taxa. Microbial necromass contributed 50-80% of stable SOC pools through formation of organo-mineral associations. These findings highlight the critical role of microbial communities as both drivers and responders in soil carbon dynamics under climate change, emphasizing the need for management strategies that enhance microbial diversity and function to maintain SOC stability.