The Soil Microbiome and Gut Microbiome Connection

Summary

This accessible evidence report, produced by GRACE Communications Foundation's FoodPrint project, synthesises research on the relationship between soil biodiversity and human gut health, with a focus on how agricultural management decisions may affect both. It draws on peer-reviewed literature to argue that practices degrading soil microbial communities — such as heavy pesticide application and intensive tillage — may have downstream consequences for the diversity of microbiomes in food and ultimately in human consumers. As an NGO-authored narrative synthesis aimed at a general audience, it does not present primary data and should be read as an introductory overview rather than a systematic evidence appraisal.

UK applicability

Although examples are drawn primarily from a US context, the underlying evidence on soil microbial ecology and gut health is internationally relevant; UK readers and policymakers considering sustainable farming transitions, agroecology, or the Sustainable Farming Incentive may find the conceptual framing useful, albeit requiring contextualisation to UK soil types, regulatory frameworks, and dietary patterns.

Key measures

Soil microbial diversity indicators; gut microbiome diversity (qualitatively described); farming practice characteristics (e.g. pesticide use, tillage, organic matter management)

Outcomes reported

The report synthesises existing evidence on how soil microbial diversity, shaped by farming practices such as regenerative agriculture and reduced pesticide use, may influence the diversity and composition of the human gut microbiome. No primary quantitative data are generated; the report draws on secondary sources to outline conceptual and empirical links.

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