Active layer microbial inocula restore missing functions across thawed permafrost soils.

Active layer microbial inocula partially restore greenhouse gas emissions in thawed permafrost soils, with a 35% increase in CO2-equivalent over six months.

• Why it matters: Understanding microbial functions in thawing permafrost is crucial because microbial activity influences climate feedbacks through greenhouse gas emissions, yet the extent of functional limitations remains unclear.
• What they did: The study tested four permafrost types over 389 days, using a multifunctional microbial community and active layer inocula to assess their ability to restore microbial functions and gas emissions.
• The result: While inocula increased CO2 and N2O emissions, they were less effective than the full community, with an anoxic increase in CH4 and a significant rise in overall greenhouse gases, highlighting the importance of microbial community composition.