![](https://globalplantcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/grass-g422306175_640-e1645774172198.jpg)
Live imaging of microbes in soil would help scientists understand how soil microbial processes occur on the scale of micrometers, where microbial cells interact with minerals, organic matter, plant roots and other microorganisms. Because the soil environment is both heterogeneous and dynamic, these interactions may vary substantially within a small area and over short timescales.