Microbial life – and even insects and invertebrates – interact with the soil and help its performance. When you think of soil health, think of the biological integrity of your soil.

If you’re no-tilling, soil biological activity in your fields is most likely better than your conventional tillage neighbors.

Using high-powered DNA-based tools, a recent study at the University of Illinois identified soil microbes that negatively affect ragweed and provided a new understanding of the complex relationships going on beneath the soil surface between plants and microorganisms.

Researchers say they now know what allows some Western corn rootworms to survive crop rotation, a farming practice that once effectively managed the rootworm pests.