Want to grow more with less? Beneficial soil microbes are your best friend

There’s no doubt rising fertilizer prices are forcing many growers to reconsider fertilizer programs, but emerging research suggests that strategic reductions in fertilizer use could provide benefits beyond lowering costs. According to a recent analysis published by University of Illinois’ The Conversation, maintaining healthier soil microbial communities may improve nutrient cycling, plant resilience and long-term soil productivity.

For specialty crop growers producing fruits, vegetables and other high-value crops, soil biology plays an important role in root health, nutrient uptake and tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought. Beneficial soil organisms—including mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting bacteria—form partnerships with crop roots that help plants access nutrients and water more efficiently.

Researchers note that heavy applications of synthetic nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers can weaken those relationships. When nutrients are readily available from fertilizer, plants invest less energy in supporting beneficial microbes, potentially reducing microbial diversity and long-term soil health.

The findings come as fertilizer prices remain elevated following global supply chain disruptions, prompting many growers to evaluate where fertilizer rates can be optimized without sacrificing yields. Extension guidance also encourages producers to rely on soil testing, tissue analysis and precision nutrient management to maximize fertilizer efficiency.

The authors emphasize that the research is not a recommendation to eliminate synthetic fertilizers altogether. Instead, they advocate for balanced fertility programs that provide crops with needed nutrients while maintaining healthy soil microbial populations.

For specialty crop operations, practices that support soil biology may include:

• Using soil and tissue tests to fine-tune fertilizer applications.
• Avoiding unnecessary phosphorus and nitrogen applications.
• Incorporating cover crops and organic amendments where appropriate.
• Reducing soil disturbance when practical to preserve microbial habitats.

Researchers say these approaches can help growers improve nutrient-use efficiency while supporting healthier soils over time. As fertilizer costs remain unpredictable, balancing crop nutrition with long-term soil health could offer both economic and agronomic benefits, according to the analysis.