Soil biodiversity management: A cross-system lever for climate change mitigation, ecosystem restoration and agricultural productivity

Beneath our feet lies a rich and dynamic world that holds a key to our climate future. This research highlights just how complex our relationship with soil really is. Simply increasing microbial numbers or adding carbon doesn’t always lead to better harvests; in fact, it can sometimes backfire by locking up essential nutrients. The key to resilience lies in understanding and promoting specific soil functions, tailored to local climates and crops. From the arid landscapes of Spain to the thawing soils of Greenland, this brief shows that successful soil management requires a precise, science-based approach that respects regional differences and balances the urgent needs of food production with the long-term goal of restoring our living soils.