Molecular detection of beneficial soil microbiota for cover crop–driven disease suppression
A research initiative leveraging molecular detection tools to characterize beneficial soil microorganisms associated with cover cropping systems. The goal is to validate how cover crops foster suppressive soils that reduce disease pressure on subsequent crops, supporting sustainable disease management for Kansas growers and beyond.
Overview
This research program investigates the hypothesis that cover crops improve soil health by developing suppressive soil microbiomes that decrease disease pressure on subsequent crops. By combining agronomic practices such as cover cropping and crop rotation with molecular detection of soil microbiota, the project aims to advance sustainable, system-level disease management. The work targets beneficial microorganisms including Chitinophaga, Flavobacterium, and Trichoderma to understand how cover cropping influences soil microbial communities and crop health outcomes.
Technical specifications
- Molecular detection of soil microbiota: Laboratory tools and methods for detecting fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens as well as beneficial microorganisms in agricultural soils.
- DNA extraction and sequencing: Soil samples will undergo DNA extraction followed by sequencing approaches targeting beneficial microorganisms, particularly Chitinophaga, Flavobacterium, and Trichoderma.
- Field sampling across Kansas farms: Collaboration with Kansas cover-cropping farmers through Kansas State University research stations, with planned on-farm sample collection from at least 10 farms using appropriate soil collection methods.
- System-level disease management approach: Integrates cover cropping and crop rotation as sustainable agronomic practices to build suppressive soils and reduce reliance on conventional disease management inputs.
Technology readiness level
This project is at an early, preliminary research stage. The laboratory is equipped with molecular detection tools and methods, and field locations have been identified through Kansas cover-cropping farmers and Kansas State University research stations. Initial groundwork involves collecting soils from collaborating farms to detect and characterize beneficial microbiota. While direct preliminary data for this specific project is not yet available, the research is positioned as foundational work toward a broader sustainable disease management framework, with future validation planned through expanded on-farm studies across Kansas.
About Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university with multiple campuses and a strong applied mission. Industry partners tap a statewide extension network that connects companies to field sites, talent, and rapid outreach; campus pilot plants and analytical services enable bench‑to‑pilot scale validation, while co‑located high‑containment facilities support regulated studies. The Olathe campus in the Kansas City metro serves as an industry‑engagement hub with workforce pipelines, collaborative labs, and proximity to the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, USDA, and DOE, alongside state and corporate sponsors, and a dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, sponsored research, and startup formation.
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