UNAM Identifies Soil Bacteria that Boosts Sustainable Farming

Scientists from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) have identified bacterial communities with significant potential to improve soil fertility, support sustainable agriculture, and aid ecological restoration. The findings are based on research conducted in the Mixteca Alta UNESCO Global Geopark in Oaxaca, led by researchers from the Academic Unit of Territorial Studies (UAET) Oaxaca of UNAM’s Institute of Geography. The study used advanced genetic sequencing to characterize soil microorganisms associated with long-standing farming practices.

According to the research team, the bacterial populations display several functions relevant to agricultural productivity and ecosystem resilience. These include the natural suppression of soil pathogens, improved cycling of key nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen, and the generation of stable organic matter that strengthens soil structure. The bacteria also promote plant growth and enhance the capacity of agricultural ecosystems to withstand environmental stress.

Among the dominant bacterial groups identified were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi, along with specific families such as Solibacteraceae and Sphingomonadaceae. These microorganisms were found in soils shaped by ancestral practices such as lama-bordos, terraces, and valley-based cultivation systems.

The application of these microbial communities could help restore degraded soils, increase agricultural yields, and lower the environmental impacts associated with intensive chemical use, reports UNAM. Soil degradation affects a large share of Mexico’s arable land, making regenerative approaches increasingly relevant for both food production and environmental management. Regenerative soil management also strengthens carbon retention in soils and reduces pollution linked to synthetic fertilizers.

The findings could also have important implications for the future of Mexico’s agriculture industry. Researchers said the discovery creates a pathway for developing locally adapted biofertilizers and biostimulants tailored to regional soil and climate conditions. Such products could reduce dependence on industrial agrochemicals, which are often imported, priced in US dollars, and exposed to international market volatility. Moreover, reducing reliance on external inputs can strengthen domestic production systems and lower costs for small and medium-sized producers. 

UNAM scientists plan to continue studying how these bacterial communities can be applied at scale while preserving local ecosystems.