A suite of multi-omics and creative culturing approaches have identified key microbes and metabolic processes that are important in predicting shifting biogeochemical process rates with climate change. Yet there are no parallel efforts to resolve the roles of protists in soils, despite their known importance in soil processes controlling bacterial populations, as predators of microfauna, and as parasites. Protists are known to shape the eco-evolutionary trajectories and adaption of bacterial populations and can significantly alter C cycling rates catalyzing microbial litter breakdown. Integration of soil protists and trophic interactions will change our understanding of soil carbon-climate feedback.
