Why is soil biology important?

There is growing recognition that soil biology underpins the majority of processes within soil and is critical for delivering a whole range of vital ecosystem functions. The importance of soil organisms to the sustainability, resilience and functioning of our farming systems cannot be overstated. They are intrinsic to plant health and establishment: fixing, recycling, and scavenging nutrients for plant growth; providing essential plant vitamins and hormones; suppressing pests, pathogens and disease protecting against plant stress; and, maintaining the soil structure that anchors plants. Complex belowground microbial networks act as channels for resources and communication, facilitating plant–microbial and plant–plant collaboration. Soil biota are known to influence the yield, quality, longevity and even flavour of crops and their products. One of the most critical roles of soil biology is climate regulation. Soil microbes play a key role in both generating and mitigating greenhouse gases, with their activity largely determining the net balance of emissions. Beyond agriculture, the diversity of life in soil has contributed to medical advancements, with many antibiotics and vaccines originating from soil microorganisms. Given the vital role soil biology plays in soil functioning, it is clear that to fully understand and manage our soils effectively, we need to understand and work with this biology.