A global research collaboration, featured in Science, reveals how microbial life beneath desert soils could unlock the future of sustainable farming, starting in the UAE.
– In dry, degraded soil, it’s easy to assume life has gone quiet. But underground, a different story unfolds—one of continuous exchange between plant roots and microbial communities that shape each other in subtle but powerful ways. A new paper, co-authored by researchers from American University of Sharjah (AUS) and published in Science, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals, explores this relationship and proposes a new model for sustainable agriculture—one rooted in ecology and informed by decades of research.
The review was developed through a year-long collaboration between five scientists: Dr. John Klironomos, Professor in Biology Chemistry and Environmental Sciences and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at the AUS College of Arts and Sciences, Professors Guangzhou Wang, Fusuo Zhang and Junling Zhang from China Agricultural University; and Professor Wim van der Putten from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology and Wageningen University.
Their focus is on plant—soil feedback: the concept that plants shape the microbial makeup of the soil through their roots and chemical signals, while these microbes, in turn, influence plants’ access to nutrients, water and protection from disease. These feedback loops, depending on how they are managed, can either weaken or strengthen a crop system.
For regions like the UAE, where farming is challenged by salinity, limited organic matter and scarce freshwater, this model offers a path forward. At AUS, Dr. Klironomos and his team are already putting the concepts into action. Field trials are underway with microbial inoculants—beneficial bacteria or fungi added to the soil to boost plant health—and biostimulants, natural substances that help plants grow better and cope with stress like heat or poor soil. Desert crops such as wheat and date palms are tested to measure how they perform under extreme soil conditions when supported by the right microbial partners.
“Plants and microbes have always influenced each other,” said Dr. Klironomos. “The key is managing those interactions with purpose, especially in environments where every biological advantage matters. This work helps shift the focus from short-term yield to long-term soil function.”
The paper also revisits traditional farming strategies—including crop rotation, intercropping and minimum tillage—not as legacy techniques but as ecologically informed methods to support soil biology. When implemented with awareness of microbial systems, these approaches can restore fertility, reduce input dependency and help create more stable growing conditions over time.
“Microbial life is one of agriculture’s most overlooked tools,” said co-author Professor Junling Zhang. “When we support the living processes in soil, we create systems that are more sustainable, more adaptive and better aligned with how ecosystems naturally function.”
Alongside ecological practice, the review points to advances in plant science. By identifying the genes and molecular signals involved in root-microbe communication, researchers are now exploring breeding strategies to develop crop varieties that interact more effectively with soil microbiomes, an emerging direction that bridges molecular biology and agronomy.
To further localize and scale this work, AUS and regional partners have launched the Sharjah Sustainable Agriculture Research Group. The group brings together Professors from AUS including: Dr. Klironomos; Dr. Mohamed Abouleish, Professor in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences; and Dr. Tarig Ali, Professor in Civil Engineering; as well as Dr. Ali El-Keblawy from the University of Sharjah. Their combined expertise spans soil ecology, spatial analysis, sustainability science and native plant conservation and biotechnology—all directed toward restoring the biological function of arid soils.
Underlying the research is a deeper shift in mindset: soil is not a neutral background—it is alive. It breathes, it evolves and it responds to how we manage it. By treating it as a living system, the researchers argue, agriculture can move toward solutions that support not only food production but also climate resilience, biodiversity and sustainable land use.
The paper, “Steering Plant–Soil Feedback for Sustainable Agriculture,” appears in the July 2025 issue of Science. Click here to view it.
About AUS
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Inspired by his vision, AUS was established as a leading educational institution dedicated to advancing society through academic excellence, research, innovation and meaningful collaboration with industry and culture.
Today, under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, AUS is further enhancing its position regionally and globally by driving innovative research, expanding academic programs and strengthening global partnerships.
Ranked consistently among the top 10 universities in the Arab region (QS Arab Region University Rankings, 2025), AUS is also recognized globally, ranking among the top 18 percent of ranked universities in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2026).
AUS offers 33 undergraduate majors, 48 minors, 21 master’s programs and eight PhD programs through four academic units: the College of Architecture, Art and Design; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Engineering; and School of Business Administration.
The university is licensed and its degree programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with additional international accreditations from respected bodies including ABET, AACSB and NAAB.
Home to students from over 100 nationalities, AUS provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students are empowered to become impactful leaders, innovators and changemakers.
AUS delivers an exceptional educational experience, combining rigorous academic standards with rich cultural diversity and practical, real-world applications, with world-class facilities, renowned faculty and a dynamic academic community.
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