Kate Scow’s Post

A new National Academy of Sciences Engineering and Medicine report explores the linkages between soil health and human health. The report finds that to improve soil health, federal agencies need to promote the importance of soil health, support translational research, and develop a coordinated national approach to monitor soil health over time. The report also says there is a pressing need to determine which microbial features, if any, contribute to quantifying or fortifying health in both human and soil systems and to understand the direct and indirect roles of soil, alongside other environmental factors, in influencing human microbial colonization and subsequent health outcomes. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/eW6FEVi8

I'm really excited by this approach, using a One Health approach to understand the linkages between soil health and human health.

I'm excited to be part of a new report (released today) by National Academy of Sciences. We delved into the linkages between soil health and human health using a one-health framework. This is a groundbreaking approach, as the environmental component of one health and its connections to humans are often less studied compared to linkages between human and animals. Within the environmental sector, soils are the most understudied aspect of this puzzle. Our report emphasizes the need for: *Promoting the importance of soils as modulators of human health *Supporting translational, cross soil and human health domain research *Developing a coordinated national approach to monitor soil health over time *Decoding microbial features contributing to health in both humans and soils *and many more! If you are in Atlanta at the American Society of Microbiology - come listen to me and report co-author, Dr. Kali Kneil discuss the microbial aspects of this report in a meet the expert session tomorrow. B304, GWCC @ 5:15 Friday June 14th. Hope to see you there! #SoilHealth #HumanHealth #OneHealth #EnvironmentalScience #TranslationalResearch

Recent scientific advances have spurred interest in how microbial communities can support #soilhealth, food quality, and #humanhealth. A new publication by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is available for download and/or purchase. Entitled, "Exploring Linkages Between Soil Health and Human Health". A PDF is available of the full publication for subscribers (requires a simple signup) at no cost. Check it out:  https://lnkd.in/evnF2fns

Finally the left hand talk to the right hand: Soil health & Human Health. at Flor.es.Sens System, we take it from the root side of things: soil health, i.e. soil microbiology and how to execute at field, supporting farmers.

Did you know that microplastics can inhibit the water holding capacity of soils? Or that there are hundreds of thousands of potential antibiotic compounds in soil yet to be identified? Neither did I until I read this paper. We're still so much in the dark about soils and their impact on human health, despite a massive accumulation of qualitative data. This is true of so much of the natural world. Our reductionist, human centric view of the last several centuries, has blinkered us to the interconnectedness of all things. Time for that to change ... https://lnkd.in/g3Yq8xbQ

Exploring Linkages Between Soil Health and Human Health A new report highlights the potential for discoveries at the intersection of soil health and human health. It offers research recommendations on the connections between soil and human health, food nutritional value, agricultural productivity, contaminant reduction, and soil health improvement. Yield-maximizing practices have degraded soil organic matter, structure, water-holding capacity, and increased salinity, harming essential microbial communities. Recent scientific advances have increased interest in how these microbial communities can benefit soil health, food quality, and human health. Furthermore, climate affects the multiple and coupled physical, chemical, and biological processes involved in soil health through changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and precipitation patterns. In this context, there is need and call for investigating the links between soil health and human health. This report provide further information. https://lnkd.in/gMttgWVs? #agriculture #soilhealth

Exploring the Role of the Phytobiome in Human Health In recent years, groundbreaking research has unveiled a captivating and intricate relationship known as the phytobiome. This emerging field of study has revolutionized our understanding of how plants, their associated microorganisms, the soil, and the environment collectively impact human and animal well-being via their respective gastrointestinal microbiomes1. 🌱 What Is the Phytobiome? The phytobiome encompasses the diverse assemblage of microorganisms inhabiting the soil, plants, and their surroundings. These tiny inhabitants play vital roles in plant growth, nutrient acquisition, composition, and stress tolerance. But here’s the fascinating twist: their influence extends far beyond the green realm. The phytobiome significantly impacts human health by shaping the food we consume and influencing our overall well-being. 📚 References: https://lnkd.in/g4ztxJ62

"The opening of the new testing lab in Jeffords Hall at #UVM is a game-changer for Vermont's soil research. Previously, testing had to be sent to out-of-state labs. Now, local testing will provide new insights into Vermont's soil conditions and strengthen collaboration between researchers and local farmers, driving sustainable soil management practices. 'Food systems sustainability starts with soil,' said Deb Neher, Plant and Soil Science Professor and a Co-Principal Investigator of SHREC. In addition to nutrient analysis, SHREC will measure biological and physical factors to provide a comprehensive understanding of soil health and bolster #climate change resilience within the regional food system. Once core metrics of soil chemistry, biology and physical properties are well established, the center will explore more advanced chemistry to measure contaminants of emerging concern. SHREC's research will prioritize #Vermont farmers' needs. 'Farmers have a certain baseline level and knowledge,' said Joshua Faulkner, Research Associate Professor in Extension and a Co-Principal Investigator of SHREC. 'But they're hungry to know more, especially about actionable information related to management.'" https://lnkd.in/eTna_KPx #soilscience #research #farmers #foodsystems

Great summary on the evolving definition of soil health.