Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria represent a bioalternative in making soil-immobilized phosphorus (P) available to plants, and consequently improve agriculture sustainability and reduce nutrient pollution. In this study, we examined whether Rhizobium sp. B02 inoculation can affect the soil P fractions. Moreover, we investigated how inoculation influences the growth, physiological traits, and productivity of the maize crop. Field tests were carried out to evaluate the combined application of strain B02 and reduced doses of P fertilizer. Soil P fractionation was performed after crop harvesting, assessing the P dynamics. To study the plant response, samplings were carried out in three phenological stages—the vegetative stage of the 7 fully emerged leaves with leaf collars (V7), the vegetative stage of the tassel (VT), and the reproductive stage of physiological maturity (R6). Using 50% of P fertilizer recommended, the strain inoculation increased the labile inorganic P fraction by 14% compared to the control treatment at the same dose, indicating that it favored the Pi mobility. Under these same conditions in the V7 and VT phenological stages, the inoculation significantly improved shoot length (28 and 3%) and shoot dry weight (9.8 and 12%). B02 inoculation increased grain yield by 696 kg ha⁻¹ using 50% of the recommended rate of P fertilizer, phenocopying the complete P fertilization treatment without inoculation. Therefore, Rhizobium sp. B02 inoculation replaced 50% of P fertilizer in maize and increased the soil P availability.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the dynamics of soil microbiological attributes under integrated production systems, continuous pasture, and native cerrado. The study was conducted in a transition area from crop to livestock. Four areas with different land uses were evaluated: an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system (ICLFS), cultivated with Eucalyptus urograndis alley cropping, spaced 2x2 m between plants and 22 m between alleys; an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS); besides two adjacent areas of native cerrado and continuous pasture, used as a reference. For the assessment of microbiological attributes, soil samples were taken in the 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, and 0.20-0.30-m layers, in February 2012 and February 2014 (rainy season), and in July 2012 and September 2013 (dry season). In general, soil under native cerrado had the highest microbial biomass carbon (MBC) levels, while under the ICLFS it had the lowest ones. The ICLS increased MBC and microbial coefficient in the deeper soil layers, after two years of establishment. Basal respiration, microbial biomass nitrogen, and MBC are the soil microbiological attributes better able to differentiate the evaluated systems.

As Soil Scientists, we are gathering important and valuable knowledge about the chemical, physical and biological processes in soil, and with the increasing effects of climate change, this knowledge may play a pivotal role in the future of our planet. However, we must revisit crucial points in our past to understand how humanity’s evolution has shaped the current state of soil health. Furthermore, we must also consider that we are funded and supported by the society in which we live, and therefore social and political factors will inevitably play a part in the future of soil health. In this review, we address important historical aspects of crop development and soil microbiome combined with the provision of key ecosystem services to ensure soil sustainability. In addition, we provide a brief overview of key concepts related to soil health, including the criteria of the selection of indicators for soil health assessment, whilst focusing on the role of soil biology. Moreover, we provide an overview of research conducted across diverse biomes in Brazil, highlighting approaches to assess soil health in both agroecosystems and natural ecosystems. We also emphasize the significance of harnessing beneficial plant-microorganism interactions as an ecologically sustainable strategy for enhancing soil health. Finally, we conclude the review by discussing potential advancements in soil health assessment in Brazil, and their potential application in broader agricultural and forestry contexts.