suppressive soil

Suppressing soil in agriculture refers to soils that, despite harboring a pathogen, exhibit minimal damage to the crops grown in them. This phenomenon is attributed to the presence of naturally occurring antagonists within the soil. These antagonists can compete with the pathogen for resources, thereby limiting the pathogen's population growth.1

Some antagonists produce substances that inhibit or kill pathogens, a process known as antibiosis. For example, marigold roots release chemicals toxic to nematodes and fungi. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, biological control methods leverage these antagonists to reduce or prevent plant infections. This contrasts with suppressive T cells, which are involved in the immune system by suppressing the response of other immune cells. No-till agriculture, a conservation technique, also indirectly relates by minimizing soil disturbance, which can improve soil health and microbial activity.123