What critical service do microbes provide that is vital for ecosystem health?

Microbes play an essential role in nutrient recycling within ecosystems, which is fundamental for maintaining health and balance. These microorganisms are responsible for decomposing organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, returning nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus back into the soil. This process ensures that these nutrients are available for uptake by plants, forming the basis of the food chain. By breaking down complex organic substances, microbes facilitate the transformation of nutrients into forms that are usable by other organisms, thus supporting plant growth and contributing to the overall productivity of ecosystems.

In this context, while other processes like oxygen production, climate control, and water purification are also important, they do not encompass the broad and critical impact that nutrient recycling has on ecosystem health and sustainability. Nutrient recycling is foundational to soil fertility and ecosystem functioning, making it a vital service provided by microbes.