Under a given farming system, stabilization may occur with time, but reversal of the initial degradation is unlikely. Restoration of soil microbial communities may occur after cultivation ceases, but the recovery time is unknown. Conclusions Strip mining and metal contamination are much more serious perturbations to soil microbial communities than are the applications of pesticides. Communities in colder regions are much more prone to long-term disruption than those in warmer climates. Remediation of damage may require long periods of time, and damaged sites that return to relatively healthy status may not return to their pristine states.
Remediation usually begins with ceasing the perturbation.