Impact of Drought on Soil Microbial Communities

Drought, an increasingly prevalent climate stressor due to global warming, profoundly impacts agricultural systems, particularly the soil microbiome. Soil microorganisms are critical for nutrient cycling, plant health, and ecosystem stability, yet drought-induced changes disrupt microbial community structure, function, and interactions with plants. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the effects of drought on soil microbiomes, focusing on microbial diversity, resilience, and functional shifts in agricultural contexts. It highlights key microbial mechanisms underpinning plant drought tolerance, including symbioses with plant growth promoting bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, it addresses knowledge gaps in the long-term effects of repeated drought events, microbial adaptations, and plant-soil feedback mechanisms. By advancing our understanding of drought-microbiome dynamics, this review aims to inform sustainable agricultural practices and resilience strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of drought on crop productivity and ecosystem health.