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IMAGE: San Diego State University ecologists found that seasonal fluctuations in temperature lead to a corresponding fluctuation in soil microbial populations, and increased carbon emissions. view more
Credit: SDSU
As humans, the weather where we live influences our energy consumption. In climates where weather shifts from hot summers to very cold winters, humans consume more energy since the body has to work harder to maintain temperature.
In much the same way, weather influences microbes such as bacteria and fungi in the soil. Seasonal fluctuations in soil temperature and moisture impact microbial activities that in turn impact soil carbon emissions and nutrient cycles.