*This information was previously posted by Corteva Agriscience.
The tiny organisms beneath our feet can have a big influence on farm success.
From clays to silts to loams, every type of soil has one thing in common: It’s alive with microorganisms in a complex ecosystem. Taken together, these microorganisms make up a microbiome that has profound effects on the health of plants and the agroecosystem. With a deeper understanding of this microscopic world and the way inputs affect it, farmers can better manage their soils to optimize productivity.
Sorting out the beneficial and the harmful
When we’re thinking about protecting crops, it’s tempting to focus only on the pests in soil—the diseases, insects and nematodes threatening yield. But in healthy soils, these damaging pests are balanced by a range of beneficial organisms. The right soil management approach not only reduces harmful microorganisms, but promotes beneficial ones, which can, over time, contribute to naturally controlling these pests.
Playing the long game
Once farmers understand the beneficial organisms and the pests at work in their soil, they can make targeted decisions about which modes of action and inputs might help control pests while enhancing beneficials. This kind of approach requires taking a long-term view of soil health.
Decisions about inputs, controls and management practices today can help to nurture healthier soils in subsequent seasons. Choices that contribute to a healthy microbiome can eventually lead to a more self-sustaining soil ecosystem. In these kinds of systems, beneficial organisms can naturally suppress pests and improve soil function, reducing the need for more inputs. Healthier soil is of course also better for crop production, delivering more nutrients to growing plants and helping farmers bring in better yields. The benefits to managing soil health extend far beyond reducing a pest threat to improve this season’s outcome. With an informed approach, soils can be healthier year over year—a process that takes patience but has a real payoff for farmers and the future of agriculture.
Check out future issues of Groundwork for more about the connection between healthy soils, farms, food and the planet.
