Soil Microbes Help Sequester Carbon. But Can We Achieve That in Intensive Agroecosystems?

Intensive agricultural activities over the last 150 years have led to significant soil carbon losses from global croplands. Reversing or slowing this trend is critical for long-term agricultural sustainability. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding whether and how 'regenerative' agricultural practices can rebuild soil carbon. Recent advancements suggest that soil microbes may play a crucial role in soil carbon sequestration by driving carbon transformation and stabilization. Yet, the impact of cropping systems management on microbial-regulated soil carbon processes remains unclear. In this talk, Dr. Yichao Rui will present data from long-term farming systems trials in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania to illustrate the role of microbes in carbon sequestration within agroecosystems. He will also discuss how we can employ agroecological practices to support microbially-mediated soil biogeochemical processes, thereby enhancing the resilience and profitability of agroecosystems.