Beneath our feet lies a vibrant and complex ecosystem that often goes unnoticed: the soil microbiome. Beyond the visible layers of cultivated fields and growing crops, a hidden world of billions of microscopic organisms plays a vital role in maintaining soil fertility, supporting plant health, and strengthening the resilience of entire agroecosystems.
What is the soil microbiome?
Imagine this: a single teaspoon of healthy soil can contain billions of bacteria, hundreds of meters of fungal mycelium, and thousands of other microorganisms – from archaea to protozoa and viruses. This vast biodiversity is what makes up the soil microbiome.
Experts emphasize that this microbial community is essential for soil health and performs numerous functions critical to plant cultivation. Each group of microorganisms has its own role, yet all work together in a dynamic web of interactions that sustain soil vitality.
The functions of invisible workers
So what exactly do these billions of unseen helpers do? Their roles are both diverse and vital. One of their most important functions is nutrient cycling. Microorganisms decompose organic residues and mineralize essential elements, making nutrients available to plants. Some fix nitrogen directly from the atmosphere, others convert phosphorus and potassium into forms that plants can absorb.
In the process of breaking down organic matter, microbes not only release nutrients but also create humus – a stable organic compound crucial to soil fertility and structure. Microbes, especially fungi and bacteria, also improve soil texture: their secretions and mycelial networks bind soil particles into aggregates, enhancing porosity and improving air and water flow to plant roots.
Additionally, a healthy and diverse microbiome acts as a natural defense system for plants. Beneficial microorganisms compete with pathogens for resources, produce antimicrobial compounds, and can even trigger the plants’ own defense responses. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, significantly expanding nutrient and water uptake capacity.
How can we nurture soil life?
“Soil microbes are key players in nutrient cycling – they break down organic matter and release nutrients in forms plants can absorb. Specific microbial communities can be used in agriculture to support this process and unlock crop yield potential,” explains Michał Slota, representative of the Lithuanian biotechnology company Nando.
So how can we support this vital life in our fields? The soil microbiome is influenced by both natural factors and human activities. Intensive tillage, simplified crop rotations, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides can damage this sensitive ecosystem. To maintain a healthy microbiome, it’s essential to adopt sustainable practices: reduce tillage intensity, diversify crops, use cover crops that feed microbes and increase organic matter, apply fertilizers and crop protection products responsibly, and return organic residues to the soil.
In addition to agronomic practices, modern biotechnology plays an increasingly important role. The market now offers a wide range of biological products based on beneficial microorganisms or substances that stimulate their activity. These products can help restore degraded soils, improve nutrient availability, and enhance plant resilience. International experience shows that microbial technologies are becoming a key tool for sustainable farming.
Of course, it’s important to note that biologicals are not a magic solution. Their effectiveness depends on favorable soil conditions and works best as part of a science-based, integrated approach to soil health.
A silent treasure beneath us
The soil microbiome is a vast, invisible treasure beneath our feet. Learning to understand, protect, and foster this living system is one of the most important steps toward achieving not only higher yields but also a healthier environment and a more sustainable future for agriculture.
