By Andrea McBeth, ND
Introduction
Our future health is as much about supporting the diversity of our internal microbiomes as it is about preserving the rich microbial communities in the world around us. Today, I take time to look at one of the most important microbial ecosystems we interact with outside our body: the soil microbiome. The soil microbiome is an intricate network of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microorganisms that forms the foundation of life in our fields, our gardens, and our forests. The tiny organisms (microbes) that make up the soil microbiome play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling, enhancing soil structure, and supporting plant health. The diversity and vitality of these microbial communities are essential not just for the plants that grow above them but also for the quality of the food that ends up on our plates.
The microbial diversity of the soil microbiome is at the heart of regenerative agriculture—a farming practice that seeks to nurture the land and promote biodiversity. Most recently, I have been in Alberta, Canada with dear family friends who are third-generation farmers. I have had the privilege of spending evenings enjoying the beauty of the land and seeing the agricultural cycle unfold, season by season. This week, the harvest of peas—a crop newly introduced to my friend’s family farm rotation—offered a glimpse of how thoughtful changes in farming practices can make a significant impact. This parallels the conversations I have with patients and providers every day. Questions we bat around often have to do with what changes we can make with our diet and lifestyles to move towards more healthy and diverse microbial ecosystems. The reality is there is no one answer, it is a spectrum and individual for all people. Similar to my reflection here on farming and soil, starting somewhere is the most important.
The Soil Microbiome: The Heart of Regenerative Farming
The soil microbiome is a living network of organisms (microbes) that work together to maintain the health and fertility of the land. These microbes decompose organic matter, fix nitrogen, and break down minerals into forms that plants can absorb. They also play a crucial role in protecting plants from diseases and pests by outcompeting harmful organisms and enhancing plants’ defense mechanisms.
A diverse soil microbiome is key to a robust and healthy agricultural system. When the microbial community is rich and varied, it creates a resilient environment that supports plant growth even under challenging conditions, such as drought or poor soil quality. Conversely, practices that reduce microbial diversity—such as excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and monocropping—can lead to soil degradation, reduced crop yields, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Similarly, a diet low in fiber and high in processed foods can lead to a less diverse gut microbiome, making us more susceptible to health issues. Striving to move towards a diet rich in diversity and minimally processed foods, alongside a balanced lifestyle, nurtures our internal microbiome, promoting overall well-being.
Regenerative Agriculture: Nurturing Soil for Future Generations
Regenerative agriculture is built on the principles of restoring and enhancing the health of the soil, making it central to sustainable farming. Practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and the integration of livestock are all designed to boost soil health and microbial diversity. These methods work by mimicking natural ecosystems, where diverse plant species and minimal soil disturbance create a thriving environment for microbes.
As an example, crop rotation, especially with nitrogen-fixing legumes like peas, helps break the cycle of pests and diseases, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, and enhances the organic matter in the soil. Cover crops protect the soil from erosion, improve water retention, and provide a habitat for beneficial microbes. Reduced tillage preserves the soil structure, preventing the disruption of microbial communities, and allowing them to flourish.
This concept of regenerative farming and soil diversity is taken a step further in permaculture farming, a system that designs agricultural landscapes to be self-sustaining, drawing from natural ecosystems. Permaculture emphasizes the importance of working with nature rather than against it, creating a harmonious and sustainable farming environment. It mirrors the same principles and highlights how old systems becoming new can help us heal, much like the resurgence of interest in fecal transplants for restoring gut health.
Permaculture practices often include the strategic placement of plants that support each other's growth, the creation of natural water cycles, and the minimal disturbance of soil. This approach leads to a more diverse and stable soil microbiome, which in turn supports healthier, more nutrient-dense crops.
Indigenous Land Management Practices: Wisdom from the Past
Indigenous land management practices offer another layer of wisdom to regenerative agriculture. For centuries, Indigenous communities around the world have cultivated the land using techniques that enhance biodiversity, maintain soil health, and ensure sustainable food production. Practices such as controlled burning, agroforestry, and polyculture—growing multiple crops in the same space—are rooted in a deep understanding of the local environment and its needs.
These practices not only preserve the health of the soil microbiome but also promote a balanced ecosystem where plants, animals, and humans can coexist in harmony. The knowledge passed down through generations of Indigenous peoples highlights the importance of respecting and nurturing the land, a principle that is increasingly being recognized as essential to the future of agriculture.
Just as these practices create a thriving ecosystem, a holistic approach to our health—encompassing clean eating, physical activity, awareness of traditional eating practices and community integration of food—supports a diverse and resilient gut microbiome. The parallel between tending to the land and tending to our bodies becomes clear: both require an understanding of the interconnectedness of systems, and both thrive on diversity and balance.
From Soil to Plate: The Impact on Nutrient Content
All these regenerative practices—whether through crop rotation, permaculture, or Indigenous techniques—contribute to a diverse and healthy soil microbiome, which directly impacts the nutrient content of our food. Healthy, microbe-rich soil supports the growth of plants that are more nutrient-dense, offering higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These plants, in turn, contribute to our health, providing us with the essential nutrients we need to thrive.
The connection between soil health and human health is becoming increasingly clear. Just as a diverse gut microbiome is vital for our overall well-being, a diverse soil microbiome is crucial for the health of the plants we consume. By supporting regenerative agriculture, we are not only protecting the environment but also nourishing our bodies with the best possible food. The healthier our soil, the more nutrient-rich our food becomes, which in turn supports our internal health—a cycle of well-being that begins in the earth and extends to our plates.
Conclusion: Cultivating Health from the Ground Up
Farming is an extension of the principles we apply to our own health—tending to a complex ecosystem that requires balance, diversity, and care. The lessons we learn from regenerative agriculture and soil health mirror the lessons we apply to our internal microbiomes. By nurturing soil, we nurture ourselves, creating a future where both the land and our bodies can thrive.
As we continue to explore and understand the intricate relationships within our ecosystems, both macroscopic and microscopic, we can take steps to ensure that we support farming practices, including those in our backyards, that support the health of our planet and our people. With the help of innovations like ThaenaBiotic®, we aim to bridge the gaps between soil health and gut health, fostering a more holistic approach to well-being and a stronger, more diverse gut microbiome.