Articles

Soil fertility is governed by complex interactions between biological and geochemical processes, with soil microorganisms and minerals playing central yet often overlooked roles. Microbes regulate nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and mineral weathering, while minerals influence microbial habitat formation, nutrient retention, and soil structural stability. Together, these interactions control the availability of essential macro- and micronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc, thereby sustaining plant growth and ecosystem productivity. Recent advances in soil ecology have highlighted the importance of mineral-associated organic matter, microbial chelation mechanisms, and rhizosphere dynamics in enhancing nutrient use efficiency and long-term soil health. This review synthesizes current knowledge on microbe–mineral interactions and their contributions to nutrient mobilization, carbon stabilization, and soil aggregation. Understanding these hidden drivers of soil fertility provides new opportunities for developing sustainable agricultural practices, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers, and promoting climate-smart farming systems. Integrating microbial-based technologies with mineral management strategies offers a promising pathway for improving soil resilience, productivity, and environmental sustainability