Giles E.D. Oldroyd, a plant scientist, dives into the fascinating world of soybean plants and their natural partnerships with fungi and bacteria. These relationships allow soybeans to access essential nutrients without synthetic fertilizers. Oldroyd discusses how harnessing these natural processes could revolutionize agriculture, boost crop yields, and support smallholder farmers. He also explores the potential of transferring these nitrogen-fixing abilities to other crops, paving the way for a more sustainable food system that addresses both environmental challenges and food security.