A summary of the last year's soil health symposium sponsored by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation was recently posted:
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/strawberry/work_group/action_plan.pdf
This symposium is a result of one of the recommendations made in the "Nonfumigant Strawberry Production Working Group Action" plan which was about developing alternative strategies as the industry transitions away from traditional pre-plant fumigation.
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/white_paper_final.pdf
Key takeaway from the summary:
There is a sense of frustration expressed in the paper that our understanding of soil biology has not kept pace with fumigant research. The hope is that from here on out smart policy and well directed research funding that increases scientific knowledge of soil health can lead to the development of IPM solutions for soils and result of less fumigant use.
To wit, a total of 9 recommendations are given as research priorities, including the development of diagnostic tools to monitor soil health, establishment of economic thresholds for soil pests and pathogens, identification of components of crop plant root exudates which shape microbial communities and consequently develop strategies to enhance the growth of these beneficial microbes. Facilitation of dialog, perhaps through some sort of online format, between growers, researchers and regulatory agencies is also given as a priority.