Desertification, the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, poses significant environmental, social, and economic challenges worldwide. As desertification continues to threaten ecosystems and livelihoods, innovative strategies for its management are urgently needed. The article begins by elucidating the causes and consequences of desertification, emphasizing its complex interplay with human activities and natural factors. It highlights the growing recognition of soil microbes as a critical component in combatting desertification. Soil microbes, encompassing a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and other microorganisms, play multifaceted roles in soil health, ecosystem function, and sustainable land management. This review delves into the mechanisms through which soil microbes can contribute to desertification management. It discusses their roles in nutrient cycling, soil fertility enhancement, carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, erosion control, and biodiversity conservation. Drawing on case studies and real-world examples, it offers insights into successful applications of soil microbe-based strategies across different geographical regions and ecosystems. Challenges and limitations in implementing these strategies are also examined, including factors such as environmental variability, scale of application, and potential risks. Furthermore, research gaps and areas for improvement in understanding the intricate relationships between soil microbes and desertification management are identified. The review explores prospects and research directions in soil microbe-based desertification management. It highlights innovative approaches, emerging technologies, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, it discusses policy implications and the potential of these strategies to contribute to sustainable land use practices.

中文翻译：

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释放土壤微生物可持续荒漠化管理的潜力

荒漠化是干旱、半干旱和亚湿润干旱地区土地退化的过程，给全世界带来了重大的环境、社会和经济挑战。由于荒漠​​化继续威胁生态系统和生计，迫切需要创新的管理战略。文章首先阐明荒漠化的原因和后果，强调荒漠化与人类活动和自然因素的复杂相互作用。它凸显了人们日益认识到土壤微生物是防治荒漠化的关键组成部分。土壤微生物包括多种细菌、真菌、古细菌和其他微生物群落，在土壤健康、生态系统功能和可持续土地管理中发挥着多方面的作用。本综述深入探讨了土壤微生物促进荒漠化管理的机制。它讨论了它们在养分循环、土壤肥力增强、碳固存、土壤稳定、侵蚀控制和生物多样性保护中的作用。它借鉴案例研究和现实世界的例子，提供了基于土壤微生物的策略在不同地理区域和生态系统中成功应用的见解。还审查了实施这些策略的挑战和限制，包括环境变化、应用规模和潜在风险等因素。此外，还确定了在理解土壤微生物与荒漠化管理之间复杂关系方面的研究差距和需要改进的领域。该综述探讨了基于土壤微生物的荒漠化治理的前景和研究方向。它强调了创新方法、新兴技术以及跨学科合作的重要性。此外，它还讨论了政策影响以及这些战略促进可持续土地利用实践的潜力。