Soil Biology, the Microbiome & Belowground Ecology

A single handful of healthy soil contains more living organisms than there are people on Earth — bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms, and countless others working in constant exchange. This hidden world drives nutrient cycling, builds soil structure, suppresses disease, and forms the living engine behind fertility. Yet for decades it remained largely invisible to management decisions. The Soil Biology, the Microbiome & Belowground Ecology session shines a light on this underground ecosystem, drawing on advances in molecular biology, sequencing, and ecology to reveal how belowground communities shape what happens above the surface.

What governs whether a soil microbiome thrives or collapses? How do plant roots recruit beneficial partners, and what disrupts those relationships? Such questions sit at the heart of the conversations here, where laboratory discovery meets practical field application. Those joining this Agriculture Conference will find a rich exploration of how farming practices either nurture or damage soil life, and how restoring biological function can reduce inputs and strengthen resilience. Framed around soil microbial ecology and belowground biodiversity, the session helps researchers, agronomists, and growers see the soil not as an inert medium but as a living system to be managed with care.