New evidence for regeneration: soil microbes working in tandem with endemic plants

Regenerative agriculture is the new frontier we are striving for: not only offsetting impact but actively contributing to landscape restoration. New research by Kansas University revealed that even microbes play a key role in such restoration. By testing how soil microbiota reacts to humid and arid conditions, the team realized that there is a “memory” in the microbes, guarding information on how to help native plants survive drought.

Water is the engine of healthy soil. It dissolves and moves nutrients to roots, powers microbial life that cycles organic matter into fertility, and helps form stable aggregates that improve structure and root penetration. With enough moisture, soils infiltrate and store water rather than shedding it, reducing erosion and runoff; as water percolates, the soil filters impurities and holds excess nutrients—protecting rivers and aquifers. In short, managing water well is fundamental to resilient, fertile soils and cleaner water systems.

The fact that soil might have a record system for the moments in which it has gone with less water than ideal is, thus, a great discovery. While the scientific team explained to Science Daily that they still can’t determine exactly how this mechanism works, we see one further reason to aim to restore ecosystems to grow the plants it originally did. Mixing the current crops with native species can be the key to thriving soil.

Soil health is one of the main goals of regenerative agriculture practices. By applying techniques such as hedge rows, cover crops, and buffer zones—while reducing chemical inputs to the bare minimum—SAN technical experts work with farmers to create better ecosystems in which plants, animals and microorganisms can support each other to grow healthier and stronger.

Beyond the increased quality of the product, healthier soils also bring the promise of the perfect medium for long-term exploitation. Thus, together we build stronger livelihoods for farming families and incentives for the younger generations to continue farming.

Furthermore, it can be easily understood as attractive to business: soil health is where Scope 3, nature, and livelihoods meet. Our regenerative playbooks and MRV turn farm practice changes into claim-ready results (carbon, water, biodiversity), aligned with what leading buyers already need for compliance and reporting—so you can move beyond traceability to verified regeneration with confidence.

In a sector where investors and benchmarks are pushing for concrete soil and input-use targets, SAN brings the science, partners, and proof to deliver at scale. This is verified impact you can trust. If you want to learn more, write to us and let’s talk.