How soil biology can ward off pests and disease - but should we buy it in?

Promoting diverse colonies of soil biology to improve plant health is something most regenerative farming systems are based around. And while biology cannot offer consistent control of pests or disease like an agrochemical might, its use is an important piece of the integrated crop management puzzle.

clock • 5 min read
How soil biology can ward off pests and disease - but should we buy it in?

Joel Williams, independent soil health educator told Groundswell that focusing on soil biology and crop nutrition for pest and disease management were not ‘fringe ideas for alternative thinking' or ‘woo...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Agronomy

Can agri tech cut fungicide costs without hitting yield?

Can agri tech cut fungicide costs without hitting yield?

In an attempt to answer the above question, agronomy firm Agrii has been testing various farm technologies at its host farm based in Lincolnshire

Farmers Guardian
clock 17 April 2026 • 3 min read
Early crop disease levels set stage for a challenging season ahead

Early crop disease levels set stage for a challenging season ahead

Surveys reveal widespread septoria and early yellow rust across UK wheat, signalling disease pressure and need for robust T1 strategies

Farmers Guardian
clock 10 April 2026 • 4 min read
Why spring decisions should start with soil biology

Why spring decisions should start with soil biology

Saturated soils following a wet winter pose risks to nutrients, roots and structure, making testing and understanding soil biology increasingly vital for informed spring fertiliser and field management decisions

clock 07 April 2026 • 4 min read