1. Soil ecology in balance Healthier soil Greater biological diversity Changing ecology of system Imbalance in species Some groups increasing in number; some groups eliminated MANAGEMENT PRACTICES INFLUENCE SOIL ECOLOGY Low disturbance Practices that reduce soil compaction Direct seeding Permanent planting Cover cropping High disturbance Tillage Burning Steam sterilization Monoculture Overgrazing Fumigants Herbicides Fungicides Insecticides Enhanced moisture conservation Timely irrigation management Crop rotation Residue cover Build organic matter Sufficient soil fertility / slow nutrient release Manure / composts Neutral pH Figure 4.4 Management practices that influence soil life. (Modified from Kennedy et. al. 2004)

2. Examples of Influences of plant growth promoting and biocontrol microorganisms on plants. Soil Biology and Biochemistry Volume 40, Issue 7, July 2008, Pages 1733-1740

4. Ecological Linkages Between Aboveground and Belowground Biota David A. Wardle,1,2* Richard D. Bardgett,3 John N. Klironomos,4 Heikki Seta¨la¨,5 Wim H. van der Putten,6 Diana H. Wall7 SCIENCE VOL 304 11 JUNE 2004:1629-1633

5. Ecological Linkages Between Aboveground and Belowground Biota David A. Wardle,1,2* Richard D. Bardgett,3 John N. Klironomos,4 Heikki Seta¨la¨,5 Wim H. van der Putten,6 Diana H. Wall7 SCIENCE VOL 304 11 JUNE 2004:1629-1633