Summary
Changing environmental conditions are dramatically transforming Earth’s drylands, which cover nearly half of the planet and support the livelihoods of 3 billion people through farming and food production. As these regions face increasing drought and more extreme weather, it is crucial to understand how the tiniest organisms in soil—microbes—cope with stress. These microbes are responsible for recycling nutrients like nitrogen, which plants need to grow. This project focuses on how microbial communities in desert soils continue performing these essential roles, even as their environment becomes
