Summary
This 2016 review in Trends in Ecology & Evolution examines how soil biodiversity—particularly microbial communities and fauna—underpins agricultural sustainability and ecosystem function. The authors argue that deliberate ecological engineering of soil communities, rather than reliance on chemical inputs alone, represents a paradigm shift for maintaining productivity whilst enhancing resilience. The paper synthesises evidence on mechanisms by which below-ground diversity improves nutrient availability, disease suppression, and structural stability.
Regional applicability
The review's global scope and focus on ecological principles apply across temperate agricultural systems, including United Kingdom farming. Findings on soil biological management are relevant to UK policy on sustainable intensification and soil health improvement, though specific management recommendations would require validation in British soil and climatic conditions.
Key measures
Soil microbial and invertebrate biodiversity; agricultural productivity; ecosystem services (nutrient cycling, pest regulation, water infiltration); soil health indicators
Outcomes reported
The paper reviews evidence on how soil biodiversity and ecological engineering practices influence agricultural productivity, ecosystem services, and sustainability. It synthesises research on mechanisms linking underground biological communities to crop performance and soil health outcomes.
Topic tags
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