Microbial products made for improving crop growth, also known as biologicals, are a billion-dollar industry, but the promises touted by these products might be too good to be true.

Should Farmers Use Microbial Biological Products? It Depends.

Bugs could connect the ends of the food system by eating waste and creating fertilizer. But the industry will take time to hatch, experts say.

The Growing Allure of Insect Poop

Companies like Corteva and Bayer are pushing to commercialize — and genetically engineer — soil microbes.

The Tiniest GMOs

Hemp’s detoxifying properties have been proven to tackle PFAS pollution. Through ongoing legal challenges, researchers are exploring its potential.

Can Hemp Fix Agriculture’s PFAS Problem?

Mycoremediation — the use of fungi to degrade contaminants — shows great promise, but still has a long way to go.

Harnessing the Power of Mushrooms to Clean Up Our Soil

As the Southwest grows more arid, ranchers are using tech to sustain the economic and ecological viability of cattle — and protect the fragile living soil beneath their hooves.

Bovines and Biocrusts

The humble black soldier fly has been a chicken feed staple for years, but it’s only recently that researchers realized their untapped potential to convert waste into natural fertilizers and pesticides.

The Tiny Fly That Could Transform Agriculture

Previously dismissed as squishy and vague, soil scientists are embracing the term to advance protecting the precious resource.

Scientists Are Warming Up to “Soil Health” — if They Can Agree on a Definition

Wool pelleting provides an income stream for shepherds’ waste wool, while giving vegetable farmers a valuable soil amendment.

Sweaters for the Soil

In some red-state pockets of the U.S., farmers are embracing regenerative practices to shore up against an uncertain future. Just don’t ask them to make it political.

Where Soil is Holy, and Climate Change Is Seldom Mentioned

Along with chemical inputs like glyphosate, Eric Williamson uses grass-fed cows as a tool, to improve the soil health on his Washington farm.

All “Soil Health” Posts