MICROFLUIDIC APPROACHES IN SOIL SCIENCE, MICROBIAL PROCESSES AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING: APPLICATION, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Soil is a highly heterogeneous system where micro-scale interactions regulate key processes such as nutrient transport, microbial activity and plant growth. Conventional methods often rely on bulk measurements, destructive sampling and laboratory analysis, limiting the direct observation of pore-scale mechanisms. Microfluidics has emerged as a powerful tool to address these challenges by enabling precise manipulation of fluids within micro scale channels that mimic natural soil pore structures. Entire analytic protocols including sample pretreatment, sample/reagent manipulation, separation, reaction and detection can be integrated into a single chip platform. This system enables controlled simulation of nutrient gradients, moisture dynamics and microbial habitats. This review summarizes the fundamentals of microfluidics, including device components, fabrication materials and techniques, along with its capability to mimic soil microenvironments. Further it also narrates the applications of microfluidics in soil science for nutrient analysis, studying microbial interactions and observing soil physical and geochemical processes. The transparency, less reagent requirement and efficiency of microfluidic system make it significant for future science. Despite challenges related to material limitations and system complexity, ongoing technological advancements are expected to enhance its applicability. Overall, microfluidics provides a promising platform for improving mechanistic understanding of soil processes and supporting sustainable agricultural and environmental management.