 The study shows that permafrost-affected soils have more active and efficient encycling than previously thought, with gross amonification and nitrification rates similar to temperate and tropical systems, and high protein depolymerization rates. The short period when soils are not frozen is the main factor limiting end turnover, and the rich functional microbial community supports this activity. Biological enfixation and atmospheric end-deposition also contribute to encycling in permafrost-affected soils. The study suggests adjusting the permafrost encycle paradigm to assign a generally important role to mineral encycling, which could lead to larger permafrost and climate feedbacks than previously assumed. This article was authored by Elizabeth Ram, Chun Yang Liu, Pa Ambus, and others.