When we contemplate agricultural biodiversity, we often imagine what is visible: crops, insects and productive landscapes. Rarely do we think about the soil — and yet, it is home to one of the largest reservoirs of biodiversity on Earth. Soil is a living, dynamic ecosystem that is essential for the functioning of agricultural systems.
Soil is not simply a physical support for plants. It is a complex system where millions of organisms, from bacteria and fungi to protozoa and other micro- and macro-organisms, live and interact continuously, forming a biological network that regulates essential processes such as nutrient availability, soil structure, water retention and the ability of plants to respond to different stress conditions.
Soil as a living system
Healthy soil is living soil. The biological activity of all these microorganisms plays a central role in transforming organic matter, stabilizing soil structure and creating a favorable environment for root development.
Biologically active soils help increase the efficiency of agricultural systems, making them more resilient to pests, diseases and climate variability. In contrast, the loss of soil biodiversity compromises these essential functions, increases dependence on external interventions, and reduces the soil’s natural capacity for regeneration and the system’s ability to adapt over time.
Invisible biodiversity, real functions
Much of the biodiversity that sustains agricultural systems is invisible to the naked eye, yet its effects are very real. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), healthy soils are crucial for global food security, contributing directly to plant nutrition, ecosystem health and the stability of the productive system as a whole.
Biologically active soils tend to make better use of available resources, maintain a greater chemical and biological balance and respond more consistently to environmental variations, helping reduce the need for external inputs. Functional biodiversity is, therefore, one of the foundations of agricultural sustainability.
Local decisions, global impact
The biological health of the soil is shaped by decisions made at the farm level. Tillage intensity, organic matter management, crop diversity and rotation, and the way natural soil processes are respected all influence underground biodiversity over time.
Although these are local decisions, their effects are cumulative, contributing to the stability of agricultural ecosystems, the conservation of natural resources and the ability of food systems to respond to global challenges.
Working with biology
Scientific advances have enabled a deeper understanding of the biological functioning of soil and its importance within productive systems. Today, agricultural producer have access to tools and approaches designed to work with the soil’s natural processes, supporting biological activity rather than replacing it.
Recognizing soil as a living ecosystem is the first step towards understanding agricultural biodiversity as an interconnected system. By approaching soil from this perspective, it becomes possible to explore the links between soil microbiology, plants, insects, agricultural practices and applied science in the development of more balanced, resilient and future-ready agricultural systems.
Acting locally for a global impact begins in the soil.
Want to learn more? Explore these resources
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture
- International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) - Soil Biology and Biodiversity
- The Soil Health Institute - Science and Information on Soil Health
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Soil Biology
This article is part of the Connected by Biology series, which explores the living systems behind agriculture.
→ Next: Life in the soil — The role of the soil microbiome in agricultural systems