Dr. William Johnson

President|Johnson Agronomic Services, LLC

2026 Abstract - SOIL MICROBIOLOGY: A QUICK DISSECTION OF MICROBES IN ROW CROP FIELDS: Soil microbes play a pivotal role in the productivity and sustainability of row crop agriculture. These microscopic organisms—including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protozoa—drive essential processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and plant health promotion. In soybean and other row crop systems, beneficial microbes contribute to nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and disease suppression, while also enhancing soil structure and resilience. Understanding the diversity, function, and management of soil microbial communities is critical for optimizing crop yields and reducing reliance on chemical inputs. This overview highlights key microbial groups, their ecological roles, and emerging strategies for harnessing soil microbiology to support sustainable row crop production.