Soil microbiomes and one health

The concept of one health highlights that human health is not isolated but connected to the health of animals, plants and environments. In this Review, we demonstrate that soils are a cornerstone of one health and serve as a source and reservoir of pathogens, beneficial microorganisms and the overall microbial diversity in a wide range of organisms and ecosystems. We list more than 40 soil microbiome functions that either directly or indirectly contribute to soil, plant, animal and human health. We identify microorganisms that are shared between different one health compartments and show that soil, plant and human microbiomes are perhaps more interconnected than previously thought. Our Review further evaluates soil microbial contributions to one health in the light of dysbiosis and global change and demonstrates that microbial diversity is generally positively associated with one health. Finally, we present future challenges in one health research and formulate recommendations for practice and evaluation.

Automated summary

The concept of one health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human health with the health of animals, plants, and environments. This review highlights the importance of soils as a source and reservoir of pathogens, beneficial microorganisms, and microbial diversity in various organisms and ecosystems. The study identifies shared microorganisms between different components of one health and reveals the interconnectedness of soil, plant, and human microbiomes. It also demonstrates that microbial diversity is generally associated with one health, while considering dysbiosis and global change. The review provides future challenges and recommendations for one health research.