The Untamed Multitude: Insights into Soil Biology and Soil Health

An untamed multitude of soil organisms make soils a dynamic place for plants to take root. Managing fertility and soil health requires familiarity with the biological processes that shape the soil environment. This seminar will provide an overview of the types of biological information used to assess soil health. We will consider the ways in which soil microbes can serve as bioindicators of soil function based on their sensitivity to environmental change. Lastly, we will survey new technologies that will form the basis of future characterizations of the biological activity and diversity of our living soils.