Crop Rotation Boosts Number and Diversity of Microbes in Soil, Research Finds

Feb 12, 2026

By Bev Betkowski

Farmers now have more reasons to consider rotating their crops, University of Alberta research shows. Widely used to restore soil health, the agricultural practice boosts the diversity of bacterial and fungal microbes that benefit soil function, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.

Researchers analyzed the results of 148 published studies worldwide that used modern DNA sequencing to provide more accurate data on soil microbial diversity. They found that crop rotation raises both the number and overall diversity of bacterial species in soil.

Rotating crops also makes fungal communities in the soil more "unique" from place to place. This increased variation helps reduce the risk of particular types of fungus, such as a pathogen, from dominating an entire field.

And as bacterial richness and fungal diversity increased, so did crop yield, the researchers found. Stronger results were seen in rotations between contrasting types of plants, particularly legumes like beans, and non-legumes like grains.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.