Our capacity to maintain world food production depends on the thin layer of soil covering the Earth s surface. The health of this soil determines whether crops can be grown successfully, whether a farm business is profitable and whether an enterprise is sustainable in the long term.This book provides information about the bacteria, fungi, nematodes and other soil organisms that not only harm food crops but also help them take up water and nutrients and protect them from root diseases. With illustrations and case studies, it provides growers with holistic solutions for building an active and diverse soil biological community capable of improving soil structure, enhancing plant nutrient uptake and suppressing root pests and pathogens.An essential resource for anyone who works with soil, including growers, consultants, agronomists and soil chemists and for extension personnel working in the grains, livestock and horticulture.* A comprehensive and readable coverage of the causes and effects of soilborne diseases* Discusses the fundamentals of soil biota and the key pathogens in Australian agriculture* Gives a step-by-step guide to biological processes to minimizing losses to diseases"