Understanding the soil microbiome in ecologically important environments is crucial for informing conservation strategies and finding new climate change solutions.

Gorillas aren't hunting bugs - they're foraging for truffles. A new study uncovers surprising behavior deep in the Congo rainforest.

Introduction Like any foundation, it creates a strong root system, highlighting horticultural strategies that affect its quality and growth, both of which are top priorities. While the roots are const...

Effects of environmental stressor factor number on soil common, rare, and unknown taxa. High-stressor numbers reduce the abundance and diversity of rare taxa but increase unknown taxa and had no effe...

Don’t overthink your soil biology writes Andrew McGuire in a blog post with that title. I recommend you read the entire article. I’ll include a few quotes here. He notes three common errors around…

Agricultural sustainability is becoming increasingly threatened by climate change and anthropogenic activities. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide an important solution through their symbiotic associations with plant roots, enhancing nutrient acquisition, improving soil structure, mitigating stress effects, and contributing to carbon sequestration through glomalin production. AMF improves the bioavailability of essential nutrients by extending hyphal networks and activating nutrient transporter genes. They also aid in heavy metal detoxification by sequestering metals within hyphae, reducing plant uptake, and safeguarding tissues, while supporting carbon sequestration by stabilizing soil aggregates. Across diverse taxa, AMF exhibit species-specific adaptations to different soil types and agroecosystems, contributing to phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen use efficiency, and metal sequestration. Molecular insights revealed that AMF symbiosis activates genes related to nutrient exchange and stress adaptation, including the Ca2⁺ signaling pathways. Advanced inoculation techniques, such as high-efficiency spore propagation, seed pelleting, and bioreactor-based production, provide scalable and contamination-free applications that reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and promote sustainable cropping systems. Future research should focus on integrating molecular tools, precision agriculture, and real-time monitoring to optimize AMF application strategies, enhance nutrient cycling, and strengthen soil health, thereby advancing sustainable food systems and addressing global agricultural challenges.