P-304 - AgrobeNet: an agrochemical-microbe-plant network resource for enhancing soil health

Soil microorganisms are pivotal in maintaining soil health by providing beneficial functions to plants, such as nutrient mobilization. However, the extensive use of agrochemicals, while boosting crop yields, often compromises soil health by diminishing microbial biodiversity, leading to poorly understood knock-on effects. Therefore, understanding the effects of agrochemicals on soil microorganisms and their subsequent impact on plant health is vital to preserve both crop productivity and ecosystem integrity. Unfortunately, our current knowledge relies predominantly on descriptive characterizations of agrochemical impacts on either soil microbiomes or plant health, without capturing their interactions. Here, we introduce AgrobeNet, a novel network resource that links the interactions among agrochemicals, microbes, and plants. AgrobeNet was constructed using data from controlled experiments in which agrochemical-perturbed soil microbiomes were extracted to be inoculated to plants, identifying the ultimate effect on plant performance. We demonstrate the potential of AgrobeNet in elucidating the mechanistic impacts of agrochemicals on soil health, by leveraging graph theory algorithms and microbial genomics data. This approach not only deepens our understanding of intricate soil ecosystem dynamics but also provides a foundation for developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of agrochemicals on soil biodiversity, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture.