May 2, 2025 • 14 mins
In this Friday episode of Talking Trees, we explore the soil microbiome as a critical but often overlooked driver of tree health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. Far beyond just a substrate for roots, soil is a living, dynamic system influencing the entire tree environment.
We discuss:
- How soil microbial communities support nutrient cycling, disease resistance, and plant growth through complex interactions
- The concept of soil health as a foundational element of the One Health framework—linking plant, animal, and human well-being
- The evolving understanding of soil as a multifunctional ecosystem service, not merely a medium for productivity
- Why soil health assessment should integrate biological, chemical, and physical indicators to reflect its true vitality
- The dual role of soil microbes as both beneficial allies and potential sources of pathogens, highlighting the need for careful balance
Healthy soils mean healthy trees—and understanding this hidden world is key to building sustainable, resilient landscapes in the face of climate and biodiversity challenges.
Background information:
- Banerjee et van der Heijden. 2022. Soil microbiomes and one health.pdf
- Lehmann et al. 2020. The concept and future prospects of soil health.pdf
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Episode Transcript
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Roger (00:02):
Talking Trees with Lillian Jadd.
Welcome to Talking Trees, yourdaily journey into the intricate
connections between nature andour well-being.
In today's episode, we explorethe concept of soil health
within the broader One Healthframework, highlighting the
interdependence of human, animal, plant and environmental health
(00:22):
.
Our first source delves intothe crucial role of soil
microbiomes, examining how thesemicroscopic communities
underpin the health of diverseecosystems and ultimately
influence overall vitality.
The second source expands onthis idea, investigating the
definition and future of soilhealth as a key pillar of
sustainability.
(00:43):
It discusses various indicatorsand assessment methods, while
exploring how soil health tiesinto ecosystem services and
human wellness.
Join us as we uncover thehidden world beneath our feet
and its profound impact on lifeabove.
Jad (01:03):
Hey everyone and welcome to a deep dive into a world that's
pretty much invisible buttotally essential for the work
that we do as arborists.
Lilly (01:11):
You got it.
We're talking about the soilmicrobiome.
Jad (01:14):
Right, the soil microbiome, all those billions and billions
of tiny organisms living in thesoil.
Lilly (01:19):
And I mean it when I say billions.
Jad (01:20):
I bet you know I've been looking at some research papers
lately on this topic soilmicrobiomes and one health
Banerjee and van der Heiden.
That was from 2022, and alsothe concept and future prospects
of soil health by Lehman andsome others from 2020.
Lilly (01:37):
Oh yeah, those are really interesting papers.
Jad (01:39):
They are.
They really highlight just howcomplex and important this whole
world beneath our feet is.
Lilly (01:46):
Yeah, and they connect it to everything else too.
You know, plant health, animalhealth, even human health.
It's all connected, it's allpart of what they call One
Health.
Jad (01:53):
Right One Health.
So before we get too far aheadof ourselves, can you give us a
little bit of a picture of justhow much life is actually down
there in the soil?
Lilly (02:02):
OK, so imagine this All right the soil holds the largest
amount of global biomass,except for plants, of course.
Jad (02:09):
Of course.
Lilly (02:09):
So besides plants, soil has the most and bacteria are
the most abundant, then fungiand archaea.
Jad (02:16):
More than animals, oh yeah, way more.
Lilly (02:18):
The total number of microorganisms in a soil is
larger than the biomass of allanimals on earth.
Jad (02:23):
Wow, that's amazing.
So we're talking about like awhole universe under our feet,
exactly.
So how does all of thismicroscopic metropolis affect
the trees that we work withevery day?
Lilly (02:34):
Well, soil microorganisms are basically essential for
nutrient cycling.
I mean they provide trees with18 out of the 29 essential
elements that they need to grow.
Jad (02:43):
So it's not just about giving a tree the right
fertilizer.
Lilly (02:45):
Nope, it's much more complex than that.
Jad (02:47):
We have to think about the health of this entire community
underground.
Lilly (02:50):
You got it.
It's like an ecosystem.
Jad (02:52):
An ecosystem, okay.
So what about the rhizosphere?
I know that's important.
Lilly (02:55):
Oh yeah, the rhizosphere is super important An area right
around the roots of a tree.
It's just teeming withmicrobial activity, all kinds of
bacteria and fungi interactingwith those roots in all kinds of
ways that we're still figuringout.
Jad (03:09):
So you mentioned bacteria.
What are some of the thingsthat different bacteria do in
this rhizosphere ecosystem?
Lilly (03:14):
Well, take rhizobium bacteria, for example.
They've got this symbioticrelationship with certain trees,
where they convert atmosphericnitrogen into a form that the
trees can actually use.
It's like a natural fertilizerfactory right there in the soil.
Jad (03:28):
Wow, that's pretty cool.
Lilly (03:29):
It is, and then you've got fungi too.
Fungi play a big role,especially mycorrhizal fungi.
They're like these threads thatextend way beyond the reach of
the roots and they help the treeaccess water and nutrients more
efficiently.
Jad (03:40):
So it's like they're expanding the tree's feeding
zone.
Lilly (03:43):
You could say that and in return the tree provides the
fungi with sugars from aphotosynthesis.
So it's a win-win.
Jad (03:48):
Mutually beneficial.
Millions of years of evolution.
Lilly (03:51):
Yeah, it's pretty amazing .
So are there specific types ofmycorrhizae that are better for
certain trees?
Jad (03:58):
That's a good question, you know, because I know there are
different types of mycorrhizae.
Lilly (04:02):
Right.
Well, like, for example, youhave ectomycorrhizae.
Those are commonly found ontrees like pines and oaks and
birches.
They form this sheath aroundthe root tips and their hyphae
extend out into the soil.
Jad (04:14):
It's creating a huge network, exactly.
Lilly (04:16):
And then you've got arbuscular mycorrhizae.
Those are found on a lot ofdifferent trees, like maples and
ash and fruit trees.
They actually penetrate theroot cells.
They form these structurescalled arbuscules.
Arbuscules, okay, and theyactually penetrate the root
cells.
Jad (04:27):
They form these structures called arbuscules Arbuscules.
Okay, and that's where thenutrient exchange happens.
Wow, it seems like knowing thetypes of mycorrhizae that are
associated with different treespecies could really help us
make better decisions aboutplanting and care Absolutely.
Lilly (04:38):
The more you understand about these relationships, the
better you can work with nature.
Instead of against it Rightit's about seeing soil as a
living ecosystem, not just somedirt.
Jad (04:48):
Yeah, and a healthy ecosystem is a resilient
ecosystem.
Lilly (04:51):
Exactly which brings us to disease.
Suppressive soils.
Jad (04:55):
Disease suppressive soils.
What are those?
Lilly (04:57):
These are soils that have a community of microorganisms
that are really good at keepingpathogens under control.
Jad (05:03):
So they can actually prevent soil borne diseases or
at least reduce their impact.
Lilly (05:07):
And get this.
This ability to suppressdiseases can last for over 40
years, even when pathogens arepresent.
Jad (05:13):
That is incredible.
So it's like the soil itselfhas this built in defense system
.
Lilly (05:18):
You could say that it's like a microclimatic army
protecting your trees.
Jad (05:21):
This whole soil microbiome is like a superpower.
Lilly (05:23):
It is.
It's a superpower.
Jad (05:24):
But I'm guessing there are things that we do that can mess
it up.
Lilly (05:27):
Unfortunately, yes, some of the practices that are common
in arboriculture can actuallyharm the very organisms that
we're trying to protect.
Jad (05:35):
Like what.
Lilly (05:36):
Well, things like excessive tillage and the use of
synthetic pesticides can have anegative impact on the
diversity and function of thesoil microbiome.
Jad (05:45):
So things that we think are helping could actually be
hurting.
Lilly (05:48):
It's possible.
And then there's also the issueof antimicrobial resistance.
Jad (05:52):
Antimicrobial resistance.
Lilly (05:53):
Yeah, you know where the overuse of antibiotics in
livestock can lead to resistantbacteria.
Jad (06:00):
And that affects the soil.
Lilly (06:02):
Those resistant bacteria can end up in the soil and then
you've got soil-dwelling micethat can pick up those
microorganisms from the soil andthen farm animals graze and
they ingest soil.
Jad (06:12):
Ingest soil.
Lilly (06:13):
Yeah, they eat it and it contributes to their rumen,
microbiome.
Jad (06:17):
Rumen microbiome what's that?
Lilly (06:18):
It's the first compartment of a cow's stomach.
It's full of microorganismsthat help break down plant
material.
Jad (06:24):
Oh, okay.
Lilly (06:25):
And it's estimated that up to 3% of a cow's rumen
microbiome can come fromingested soil.
Jad (06:31):
So even a cow's digestion depends on healthy soil.
Lilly (06:33):
It seems so Wow it's all connected.
It is, and just like thosepractices can affect soil health
and tree health, they can alsoaffect livestock health.
Jad (06:42):
It all comes back to one health, doesn't it?
Lilly (06:44):
Exactly, it's all part of the same web, so we're part of
this web too, right?
Absolutely, we're connected tothe soil through the food we eat
and we're exposed to soilmicroorganisms through dust and
even geophagy.
Jad (06:56):
Geophagy what's?
Lilly (06:56):
that that's the practice of eating soil or clay.
It's more common than you mightthink, especially in certain
cultures.
Jad (07:03):
Interesting.
So the health of the soil isdirectly connected to our own
health.
It is even in ways that wemight not realize.
We've covered a lot of groundhere, this first part, from the
abundance of life in the soil tothe connections between soil
microbes, trees, animals andeven ourselves.
So what are some of the keytakeaways that you want our
listeners to remember from thispart of our deep dive?
Lilly (07:23):
I think the most important takeaway is that soil
is alive.
It's not just dirt, it's anecosystem, and it plays a vital
role in the health of everythingfrom the trees we care for to
the food we eat, and asarborists, we have a
responsibility to understand andprotect this hidden world.
Jad (07:40):
It's like we've been given a glimpse into this secret world
.
Lilly (07:42):
Exactly.
Jad (07:43):
And now we have a chance to become allies with the
organisms that live there.
Lilly (07:46):
By working with them instead of against them.
Jad (07:48):
Exactly, and by doing that we can improve the health of our
trees and contribute to ahealthier planet for everyone.
Lilly (07:54):
That's the goal, and now I want to learn more about how
what we do as arboriculture andland management in general can
actually unintentionally harmthe soil.
Jad (08:13):
Right, we were talking about excessive tillage and
synthetic pesticides earlier.
Lilly (08:16):
Exactly.
Jad (08:17):
Can you talk a bit more about how those practices
actually disrupt the balance ofthe soil microbiome?
Lilly (08:23):
Sure.
So tillage, especially deeptillage, can be incredibly
disruptive.
I mean, you're essentially likebulldozing a forest, you know.
Yeah, you're uprooting trees,you're destroying habitats,
you're scattering all theinhabitants, right, and it's
kind of the same thing withtillage.
You know you're disrupting thesoil structure, you're exposing
microorganisms to harshconditions and you're breaking
up those intricate networks offungal hyphae.
Jad (08:44):
So we're basically destroying the home of all these
beneficial microbes.
Lilly (08:47):
Yeah, you could say that.
Jad (08:48):
What about synthetic pesticides?
How do they affect the soilecosystem?
Lilly (08:51):
Well, you know, pesticides are designed to
target specific pests, but theyoften have unintended
consequences.
Right, they can also harmbeneficial microbes, which can
lead to a decline inbiodiversity and overall soil
health.
Jad (09:05):
So it's like we're using a sledgehammer when what we really
need is a scalpel.
Lilly (09:10):
Yeah, that's a good analogy.
Jad (09:12):
So we need to be a lot more mindful about our approach.
What are some things that wecan do differently?
What are some alternativepractices that we can use that
will actually promote a healthysoil microbiome?
Lilly (09:23):
Well, one of the most important things is reducing or
even eliminating tillage.
Okay, whenever possible.
Jad (09:29):
Less killage.
Lilly (09:29):
Yeah, minimizing soil disturbance allows those
microbial communities to thriveand it helps to maintain the
soil structure.
Jad (09:36):
Right, less disturbance, happier microbes.
Lilly (09:38):
Exactly.
And then another reallyvaluable tool is incorporating
organic amendments.
Jad (09:44):
Like what?
What kind of organic amendmentsare we talking about?
Lilly (09:47):
Things like compost, biochar, well-composted animal
manure these can really workwonders for your soil.
Jad (09:55):
How do they actually help the soil microbiome?
Lilly (09:57):
Well, they introduce a lot of diverse organic matter,
which is like food for themicrobes, and it improves the
overall soil structure.
Jad (10:04):
So it's like having a party and you're bringing all the
good food.
Lilly (10:06):
Exactly the more diverse the food, the better the party.
Jad (10:12):
Okay, so less disruption, more diversity.
I'm seeing a pattern here.
What about the types of treesthat we plant?
Can that affect soil health?
Lilly (10:17):
Oh, absolutely.
Native trees have co-evolvedwith the soil microbes in their
region Right and they form thesecomplex relationships that
benefit both the tree and thesoil.
Jad (10:28):
So when we choose native species we're kind of supporting
those established partnerships.
Lilly (10:32):
Exactly.
It's like choosing a dancepartner who already knows the
steps.
Jad (10:35):
Okay, I like that analogy.
So we should really be thinkingabout what the soil wants when
we're selecting trees.
Lilly (10:41):
Yeah, it's all about recognizing that a tree is not
just an individual.
It's part of a whole web ofinteractions.
Jad (10:47):
Right, it's part of an ecosystem.
Lilly (10:48):
Exactly, and by choosing trees that fit well with that
existing soil ecosystem, we'rereally setting them up for
success.
Jad (10:54):
Okay, so we've talked a lot about building up the soil's
natural defenses, but what aboutsituations where we're already
facing challenges like soilcompaction or disease pressure?
How can we address those issueswhile still making sure that
we're not harming the soil?
Lilly (11:10):
Well, even in those cases we can use soil health focused
solutions.
So for compaction you can useaeration techniques to help
improve drainage and oxygen flow.
Jad (11:19):
OK.
Lilly (11:19):
That creates a more hospitable environment for those
beneficial microbes.
Jad (11:23):
So it's like we're giving the soil the tools it needs to
heal itself.
Lilly (11:26):
Exactly, and when it comes to disease, remember those
disease suppressive soils wetalked about.
Jad (11:30):
Yeah.
Lilly (11:31):
Well, by fostering a diverse and thriving microbial
community, we can createconditions that naturally
suppress pathogens.
Jad (11:38):
How do we actually do that in a practical sense though?
Lilly (11:40):
Well, diversity is key, so incorporating a variety of
organic amendments, plantingcover crops, choosing a mix of
tree species, can all help tocreate a more resilient soil
ecosystem.
Jad (11:51):
It's kind of like building a diverse community.
It is.
Lilly (11:54):
It is when everyone has different strengths and skills
the community as a whole isstronger and more adaptable.
Jad (12:00):
That's a great point.
So instead of relying onchemical treatments to combat
diseases, we can actuallyempower the soil to fight back
naturally.
Lilly (12:08):
Exactly, and there are even biocontrol products
available that introducespecific beneficial microbes to
help combat certain pathogens.
Jad (12:16):
Oh, wow.
So it's like we're recruiting aspecialized team of microbes.
Lilly (12:19):
That's a good way to think about it.
Jad (12:21):
It all ties back to that one health concept, doesn't it?
Lilly (12:23):
It does the health of the soil, the plants, the animals
and us humans.
It's all interconnected.
When we take care of the plants, the animals and us humans,
it's all interconnected.
Jad (12:28):
When we take care of the soil, we're taking care of
everything.
Lilly (12:31):
That's right.
So, as we're wrapping up here,what are some of the key
takeaways that you want ourlisteners to remember?
Jad (12:37):
Yeah, what are the big things?
Lilly (12:39):
Well, first of all, I want everyone to remember that
soil is alive, you know, it'snot just dirt, it's an ecosystem
, and it's an ecosystem thatsupports the health of our trees
and the health of our planet.
So by shifting our perspective,you know, instead of just
treating individual trees, let'sstart thinking about nurturing
that entire soil ecosystem.
Jad (12:55):
The whole web.
The whole web and by doing thatwe can unlock all kinds of
benefits.
You know, we can reduce ourreliance on chemical inputs, we
can make our trees moreresilient and we can contribute
to a healthier environment foreveryone.
Well said, it's like we've beengiven the keys to this amazing
secret garden that's a good wayto put it and now we have the
knowledge and the tools to helpit thrive.
Lilly (13:16):
That's right.
So let's go out there and let'sdo it.
Jad (13:18):
This deep dive has been truly inspiring.
Lilly (13:21):
It has.
Jad (13:22):
It feels like we've not only learned a lot, we've also
been reminded of just howimportant it is to care for this
world beneath our feet.
Lilly (13:29):
And that's what it's all about, you know empowering
arborists to become championsfor soil health.
So keep learning, keepexperimenting and keep sharing
your knowledge with others,because together we can create a
future where healthy soil isthe foundation for thriving
trees and a vibrant planet.
Jad (13:45):
That's a great message to end on.
Thank you so much for joiningus on this deep dive into the
soil microbiome.
We hope you enjoyed it andwe'll see you next time.
Roger (13:56):
Thank you for joining us on today's exploration of soil
health and its vital connectionto the One Health Framework.
We've delved into theremarkable role of soil
microbiomes in sustainingecosystems and discussed how
robust soil health underpinssustainability and human
well-being.
May these insights inspire adeeper appreciation for the
(14:16):
intricate web of life beneathour feet.
Until next time, keep nurturingthe ground that sustains us.
Thank you.
Talking Trees with Lillian Jadd.
Welcome to Talking Trees, yourdaily journey into the intricate
connections between nature andour well-being.
In today's episode, we explorethe concept of soil health
within the broader One Healthframework, highlighting the
interdependence of human, animal, plant and environmental health
(00:22):
.
Our first source delves intothe crucial role of soil
microbiomes, examining how thesemicroscopic communities
underpin the health of diverseecosystems and ultimately
influence overall vitality.
The second source expands onthis idea, investigating the
definition and future of soilhealth as a key pillar of
sustainability.
(00:43):
It discusses various indicatorsand assessment methods, while
exploring how soil health tiesinto ecosystem services and
human wellness.
Join us as we uncover thehidden world beneath our feet
and its profound impact on lifeabove.
Jad (01:03):
Hey everyone and welcome to a deep dive into a world that's
pretty much invisible buttotally essential for the work
that we do as arborists.
Lilly (01:11):
You got it.
We're talking about the soilmicrobiome.
Jad (01:14):
Right, the soil microbiome, all those billions and billions
of tiny organisms living in thesoil.
Lilly (01:19):
And I mean it when I say billions.
Jad (01:20):
I bet you know I've been looking at some research papers
lately on this topic soilmicrobiomes and one health
Banerjee and van der Heiden.
That was from 2022, and alsothe concept and future prospects
of soil health by Lehman andsome others from 2020.
Lilly (01:37):
Oh yeah, those are really interesting papers.
Jad (01:39):
They are.
They really highlight just howcomplex and important this whole
world beneath our feet is.
Lilly (01:46):
Yeah, and they connect it to everything else too.
You know, plant health, animalhealth, even human health.
It's all connected, it's allpart of what they call One
Health.
Jad (01:53):
Right One Health.
So before we get too far aheadof ourselves, can you give us a
little bit of a picture of justhow much life is actually down
there in the soil?
Lilly (02:02):
OK, so imagine this All right the soil holds the largest
amount of global biomass,except for plants, of course.
Jad (02:09):
Of course.
Lilly (02:09):
So besides plants, soil has the most and bacteria are
the most abundant, then fungiand archaea.
Jad (02:16):
More than animals, oh yeah, way more.
Lilly (02:18):
The total number of microorganisms in a soil is
larger than the biomass of allanimals on earth.
Jad (02:23):
Wow, that's amazing.
So we're talking about like awhole universe under our feet,
exactly.
So how does all of thismicroscopic metropolis affect
the trees that we work withevery day?
Lilly (02:34):
Well, soil microorganisms are basically essential for
nutrient cycling.
I mean they provide trees with18 out of the 29 essential
elements that they need to grow.
Jad (02:43):
So it's not just about giving a tree the right
fertilizer.
Lilly (02:45):
Nope, it's much more complex than that.
Jad (02:47):
We have to think about the health of this entire community
underground.
Lilly (02:50):
You got it.
It's like an ecosystem.
Jad (02:52):
An ecosystem, okay.
So what about the rhizosphere?
I know that's important.
Lilly (02:55):
Oh yeah, the rhizosphere is super important An area right
around the roots of a tree.
It's just teeming withmicrobial activity, all kinds of
bacteria and fungi interactingwith those roots in all kinds of
ways that we're still figuringout.
Jad (03:09):
So you mentioned bacteria.
What are some of the thingsthat different bacteria do in
this rhizosphere ecosystem?
Lilly (03:14):
Well, take rhizobium bacteria, for example.
They've got this symbioticrelationship with certain trees,
where they convert atmosphericnitrogen into a form that the
trees can actually use.
It's like a natural fertilizerfactory right there in the soil.
Jad (03:28):
Wow, that's pretty cool.
Lilly (03:29):
It is, and then you've got fungi too.
Fungi play a big role,especially mycorrhizal fungi.
They're like these threads thatextend way beyond the reach of
the roots and they help the treeaccess water and nutrients more
efficiently.
Jad (03:40):
So it's like they're expanding the tree's feeding
zone.
Lilly (03:43):
You could say that and in return the tree provides the
fungi with sugars from aphotosynthesis.
So it's a win-win.
Jad (03:48):
Mutually beneficial.
Millions of years of evolution.
Lilly (03:51):
Yeah, it's pretty amazing .
So are there specific types ofmycorrhizae that are better for
certain trees?
Jad (03:58):
That's a good question, you know, because I know there are
different types of mycorrhizae.
Lilly (04:02):
Right.
Well, like, for example, youhave ectomycorrhizae.
Those are commonly found ontrees like pines and oaks and
birches.
They form this sheath aroundthe root tips and their hyphae
extend out into the soil.
Jad (04:14):
It's creating a huge network, exactly.
Lilly (04:16):
And then you've got arbuscular mycorrhizae.
Those are found on a lot ofdifferent trees, like maples and
ash and fruit trees.
They actually penetrate theroot cells.
They form these structurescalled arbuscules.
Arbuscules, okay, and theyactually penetrate the root
cells.
Jad (04:27):
They form these structures called arbuscules Arbuscules.
Okay, and that's where thenutrient exchange happens.
Wow, it seems like knowing thetypes of mycorrhizae that are
associated with different treespecies could really help us
make better decisions aboutplanting and care Absolutely.
Lilly (04:38):
The more you understand about these relationships, the
better you can work with nature.
Instead of against it Rightit's about seeing soil as a
living ecosystem, not just somedirt.
Jad (04:48):
Yeah, and a healthy ecosystem is a resilient
ecosystem.
Lilly (04:51):
Exactly which brings us to disease.
Suppressive soils.
Jad (04:55):
Disease suppressive soils.
What are those?
Lilly (04:57):
These are soils that have a community of microorganisms
that are really good at keepingpathogens under control.
Jad (05:03):
So they can actually prevent soil borne diseases or
at least reduce their impact.
Lilly (05:07):
And get this.
This ability to suppressdiseases can last for over 40
years, even when pathogens arepresent.
Jad (05:13):
That is incredible.
So it's like the soil itselfhas this built in defense system
.
Lilly (05:18):
You could say that it's like a microclimatic army
protecting your trees.
Jad (05:21):
This whole soil microbiome is like a superpower.
Lilly (05:23):
It is.
It's a superpower.
Jad (05:24):
But I'm guessing there are things that we do that can mess
it up.
Lilly (05:27):
Unfortunately, yes, some of the practices that are common
in arboriculture can actuallyharm the very organisms that
we're trying to protect.
Jad (05:35):
Like what.
Lilly (05:36):
Well, things like excessive tillage and the use of
synthetic pesticides can have anegative impact on the
diversity and function of thesoil microbiome.
Jad (05:45):
So things that we think are helping could actually be
hurting.
Lilly (05:48):
It's possible.
And then there's also the issueof antimicrobial resistance.
Jad (05:52):
Antimicrobial resistance.
Lilly (05:53):
Yeah, you know where the overuse of antibiotics in
livestock can lead to resistantbacteria.
Jad (06:00):
And that affects the soil.
Lilly (06:02):
Those resistant bacteria can end up in the soil and then
you've got soil-dwelling micethat can pick up those
microorganisms from the soil andthen farm animals graze and
they ingest soil.
Jad (06:12):
Ingest soil.
Lilly (06:13):
Yeah, they eat it and it contributes to their rumen,
microbiome.
Jad (06:17):
Rumen microbiome what's that?
Lilly (06:18):
It's the first compartment of a cow's stomach.
It's full of microorganismsthat help break down plant
material.
Jad (06:24):
Oh, okay.
Lilly (06:25):
And it's estimated that up to 3% of a cow's rumen
microbiome can come fromingested soil.
Jad (06:31):
So even a cow's digestion depends on healthy soil.
Lilly (06:33):
It seems so Wow it's all connected.
It is, and just like thosepractices can affect soil health
and tree health, they can alsoaffect livestock health.
Jad (06:42):
It all comes back to one health, doesn't it?
Lilly (06:44):
Exactly, it's all part of the same web, so we're part of
this web too, right?
Absolutely, we're connected tothe soil through the food we eat
and we're exposed to soilmicroorganisms through dust and
even geophagy.
Jad (06:56):
Geophagy what's?
Lilly (06:56):
that that's the practice of eating soil or clay.
It's more common than you mightthink, especially in certain
cultures.
Jad (07:03):
Interesting.
So the health of the soil isdirectly connected to our own
health.
It is even in ways that wemight not realize.
We've covered a lot of groundhere, this first part, from the
abundance of life in the soil tothe connections between soil
microbes, trees, animals andeven ourselves.
So what are some of the keytakeaways that you want our
listeners to remember from thispart of our deep dive?
Lilly (07:23):
I think the most important takeaway is that soil
is alive.
It's not just dirt, it's anecosystem, and it plays a vital
role in the health of everythingfrom the trees we care for to
the food we eat, and asarborists, we have a
responsibility to understand andprotect this hidden world.
Jad (07:40):
It's like we've been given a glimpse into this secret world
.
Lilly (07:42):
Exactly.
Jad (07:43):
And now we have a chance to become allies with the
organisms that live there.
Lilly (07:46):
By working with them instead of against them.
Jad (07:48):
Exactly, and by doing that we can improve the health of our
trees and contribute to ahealthier planet for everyone.
Lilly (07:54):
That's the goal, and now I want to learn more about how
what we do as arboriculture andland management in general can
actually unintentionally harmthe soil.
Jad (08:13):
Right, we were talking about excessive tillage and
synthetic pesticides earlier.
Lilly (08:16):
Exactly.
Jad (08:17):
Can you talk a bit more about how those practices
actually disrupt the balance ofthe soil microbiome?
Lilly (08:23):
Sure.
So tillage, especially deeptillage, can be incredibly
disruptive.
I mean, you're essentially likebulldozing a forest, you know.
Yeah, you're uprooting trees,you're destroying habitats,
you're scattering all theinhabitants, right, and it's
kind of the same thing withtillage.
You know you're disrupting thesoil structure, you're exposing
microorganisms to harshconditions and you're breaking
up those intricate networks offungal hyphae.
Jad (08:44):
So we're basically destroying the home of all these
beneficial microbes.
Lilly (08:47):
Yeah, you could say that.
Jad (08:48):
What about synthetic pesticides?
How do they affect the soilecosystem?
Lilly (08:51):
Well, you know, pesticides are designed to
target specific pests, but theyoften have unintended
consequences.
Right, they can also harmbeneficial microbes, which can
lead to a decline inbiodiversity and overall soil
health.
Jad (09:05):
So it's like we're using a sledgehammer when what we really
need is a scalpel.
Lilly (09:10):
Yeah, that's a good analogy.
Jad (09:12):
So we need to be a lot more mindful about our approach.
What are some things that wecan do differently?
What are some alternativepractices that we can use that
will actually promote a healthysoil microbiome?
Lilly (09:23):
Well, one of the most important things is reducing or
even eliminating tillage.
Okay, whenever possible.
Jad (09:29):
Less killage.
Lilly (09:29):
Yeah, minimizing soil disturbance allows those
microbial communities to thriveand it helps to maintain the
soil structure.
Jad (09:36):
Right, less disturbance, happier microbes.
Lilly (09:38):
Exactly.
And then another reallyvaluable tool is incorporating
organic amendments.
Jad (09:44):
Like what?
What kind of organic amendmentsare we talking about?
Lilly (09:47):
Things like compost, biochar, well-composted animal
manure these can really workwonders for your soil.
Jad (09:55):
How do they actually help the soil microbiome?
Lilly (09:57):
Well, they introduce a lot of diverse organic matter,
which is like food for themicrobes, and it improves the
overall soil structure.
Jad (10:04):
So it's like having a party and you're bringing all the
good food.
Lilly (10:06):
Exactly the more diverse the food, the better the party.
Jad (10:12):
Okay, so less disruption, more diversity.
I'm seeing a pattern here.
What about the types of treesthat we plant?
Can that affect soil health?
Lilly (10:17):
Oh, absolutely.
Native trees have co-evolvedwith the soil microbes in their
region Right and they form thesecomplex relationships that
benefit both the tree and thesoil.
Jad (10:28):
So when we choose native species we're kind of supporting
those established partnerships.
Lilly (10:32):
Exactly.
It's like choosing a dancepartner who already knows the
steps.
Jad (10:35):
Okay, I like that analogy.
So we should really be thinkingabout what the soil wants when
we're selecting trees.
Lilly (10:41):
Yeah, it's all about recognizing that a tree is not
just an individual.
It's part of a whole web ofinteractions.
Jad (10:47):
Right, it's part of an ecosystem.
Lilly (10:48):
Exactly, and by choosing trees that fit well with that
existing soil ecosystem, we'rereally setting them up for
success.
Jad (10:54):
Okay, so we've talked a lot about building up the soil's
natural defenses, but what aboutsituations where we're already
facing challenges like soilcompaction or disease pressure?
How can we address those issueswhile still making sure that
we're not harming the soil?
Lilly (11:10):
Well, even in those cases we can use soil health focused
solutions.
So for compaction you can useaeration techniques to help
improve drainage and oxygen flow.
Jad (11:19):
OK.
Lilly (11:19):
That creates a more hospitable environment for those
beneficial microbes.
Jad (11:23):
So it's like we're giving the soil the tools it needs to
heal itself.
Lilly (11:26):
Exactly, and when it comes to disease, remember those
disease suppressive soils wetalked about.
Jad (11:30):
Yeah.
Lilly (11:31):
Well, by fostering a diverse and thriving microbial
community, we can createconditions that naturally
suppress pathogens.
Jad (11:38):
How do we actually do that in a practical sense though?
Lilly (11:40):
Well, diversity is key, so incorporating a variety of
organic amendments, plantingcover crops, choosing a mix of
tree species, can all help tocreate a more resilient soil
ecosystem.
Jad (11:51):
It's kind of like building a diverse community.
It is.
Lilly (11:54):
It is when everyone has different strengths and skills
the community as a whole isstronger and more adaptable.
Jad (12:00):
That's a great point.
So instead of relying onchemical treatments to combat
diseases, we can actuallyempower the soil to fight back
naturally.
Lilly (12:08):
Exactly, and there are even biocontrol products
available that introducespecific beneficial microbes to
help combat certain pathogens.
Jad (12:16):
Oh, wow.
So it's like we're recruiting aspecialized team of microbes.
Lilly (12:19):
That's a good way to think about it.
Jad (12:21):
It all ties back to that one health concept, doesn't it?
Lilly (12:23):
It does the health of the soil, the plants, the animals
and us humans.
It's all interconnected.
When we take care of the plants, the animals and us humans,
it's all interconnected.
Jad (12:28):
When we take care of the soil, we're taking care of
everything.
Lilly (12:31):
That's right.
So, as we're wrapping up here,what are some of the key
takeaways that you want ourlisteners to remember?
Jad (12:37):
Yeah, what are the big things?
Lilly (12:39):
Well, first of all, I want everyone to remember that
soil is alive, you know, it'snot just dirt, it's an ecosystem
, and it's an ecosystem thatsupports the health of our trees
and the health of our planet.
So by shifting our perspective,you know, instead of just
treating individual trees, let'sstart thinking about nurturing
that entire soil ecosystem.
Jad (12:55):
The whole web.
The whole web and by doing thatwe can unlock all kinds of
benefits.
You know, we can reduce ourreliance on chemical inputs, we
can make our trees moreresilient and we can contribute
to a healthier environment foreveryone.
Well said, it's like we've beengiven the keys to this amazing
secret garden that's a good wayto put it and now we have the
knowledge and the tools to helpit thrive.
Lilly (13:16):
That's right.
So let's go out there and let'sdo it.
Jad (13:18):
This deep dive has been truly inspiring.
Lilly (13:21):
It has.
Jad (13:22):
It feels like we've not only learned a lot, we've also
been reminded of just howimportant it is to care for this
world beneath our feet.
Lilly (13:29):
And that's what it's all about, you know empowering
arborists to become championsfor soil health.
So keep learning, keepexperimenting and keep sharing
your knowledge with others,because together we can create a
future where healthy soil isthe foundation for thriving
trees and a vibrant planet.
Jad (13:45):
That's a great message to end on.
Thank you so much for joiningus on this deep dive into the
soil microbiome.
We hope you enjoyed it andwe'll see you next time.
Roger (13:56):
Thank you for joining us on today's exploration of soil
health and its vital connectionto the One Health Framework.
We've delved into theremarkable role of soil
microbiomes in sustainingecosystems and discussed how
robust soil health underpinssustainability and human
well-being.
May these insights inspire adeeper appreciation for the
(14:16):
intricate web of life beneathour feet.
Until next time, keep nurturingthe ground that sustains us.
Thank you.
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