Advances in soil viromics in understanding viral diversity and function

This book chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and advances in soil viromics, highlighting key methodologies, such as metagenomics, dsRNA extraction, and virus-like particle extraction, and their contributions to understanding soil viral diversity. It explores the intricate interactions between soil viruses and environmental factors, including soil pH, temperature, moisture content, and organic matter, and their influence on microbial dynamics and ecosystem functions. Readers will also gain insights into the functions of soil viruses, particularly bacteriophages, in regulating microbial populations, nutrient cycling processes, and soil carbon dynamics. The chapter underlines the importance of soil virology in informing sustainable practices, ecological stewardship efforts, and advances in various scientific fields, offering a deeper understanding of the hidden viral world beneath our feet and its implications for soil health and ecosystem sustainability.