Assistant professor André Franco of the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs received a grant of more than $737,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, according to a Mar. 3 announcement. The funding will support research aimed at integrating biodiversity into current frameworks for assessing soil health.
The project addresses a gap in how soil health is measured, as most current scorecards focus on chemical and mineral levels but do not account for underground animal life such as nematodes, mites, springtails, and earthworms. These organisms play key roles in breaking down organic matter, recycling nutrients, suppressing pests and pathogens, and building essential soil structure for plant growth.
Franco said that understanding these animal communities is important beyond agriculture alone. “Filling this knowledge gap is critical,” Franco said. “It isn’t just about agriculture. It’s about broader community goals such as reducing erosion, protecting our waterways, conserving biodiversity, and storing carbon.”
The research will involve collaboration with Christine Sprunger from Michigan State University and include field studies across Long-Term Agroecosystem Research sites in North Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan, and Ohio. Both field observations and controlled experiments are planned to examine how changes in soil animal populations affect overall soil performance.
“Our goal is to provide agriculture professionals with more complete tools to guide investments in sustainable intensification,” Franco said. “By including soil animals in the conversation, the research will help ensure that farms remain productive while providing public benefits such as cleaner water and stronger regional economies.”
Dr. Sarah Osterhoudt leads the IU Environment, Society, and Sustainability Institute (ESSI), bringing her background in anthropology to sustainability efforts according to the official website. The institute promotes collaboration and critical analysis among faculty, students,and staff to address sustainability issues according to its official website. ESSI also oversees nearly 1,600 acres of natural habitats through Indiana University’s Research and Teaching Preserve according to its official website. Indiana University-Bloomington has earned a GOLD Sustainability ranking from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education according to its official website. ESSI is jointly administered by several schools within Indiana University according to its official website.
