Biogeochemical processes in soils and ecosystems: From landscape to molecular scale

Biogeochemistry has emerged as a vital scientific discipline for addressing human and natural impacts on ecosystems across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Geological, chemical, and biological processes are intimately interlinked in the Earth System. Thus, biogeochemical studies require a multidisciplinary approach to examine processes and interactions occurring within and between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere. Research across multiple spatial and temporal scales is necessary to fully understand the large-scale response (e.g., global change) and the underlying processes regulating the response. Modeling efforts are an important tool for bridging multiple scales. They help assimilate what is known and reveal knowledge gaps in our understanding of complex systems. Incorporation of molecular techniques to chemical phenomena (surface chemistry) and microbial diversity is very important because many biogeochemical processes and ecosystem functions are determined at this scale. Biogeochemical studies will play an increasingly important role in our future as the planet is now dominated by human activities. These human impacts have ushered in a new era in the geological history of Earth, the Anthropocene.