A committee appointed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will review the state of knowledge on linkages between soil health, with particular respect to U.S. agricultural soils, and human health and prepare a report describing the potential to increase the human health benefits from microbial resources in the soil.

In the course of its review, the committee will identify current research efforts and examine scientific findings on such topics as:

• Relationships between the human microbiome and soil microbiome including the plant microbiome as part of a continuum.
• Linkages between soil management practices and the nutrient density of foods for human consumption and other effects on food;
• Information on soil microbial compounds used in drug development, such as antioxidants, antibiotics, and compounds with anti-cancer properties;
• Information on soil-borne human pathogens and microbial compounds such as toxins;
• Information on the interactions of the soil microbiome with soil contaminants that pose risks to human health; and
• Soil management practices that enhance health benefits and reduce adverse health impacts.

The committee's report will describe key findings and knowledge gaps, identify promising research directions, and offer recommendations for enhancing the human health benefits of the soil microbiome.