The study by Xu Liu et al. explores the ecological networks among multitrophic soil organisms, including bacteria, protists, fungi, and invertebrates, across 20 regions of the planet. The researchers found that positive associations among both pairs and triads of soil taxa govern global soil microbial networks. These positive associations are crucial for maintaining soil biodiversity and enhancing network stability against potential species losses. The study reveals that soil networks with higher levels of positive associations support larger biodiversity and are more resilient to disturbances. The findings highlight the importance of cooperative interactions in soil ecosystems and provide evidence for the widespread prevalence of positive associations among soil organisms. The research also suggests that temperature seasonality is a key environmental factor influencing the structure of these networks, with positive associations becoming more prevalent in colder climates. Overall, the study underscores the critical role of positive associations in maintaining the complexity and stability of soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions.The study by Xu Liu et al. explores the ecological networks among multitrophic soil organisms, including bacteria, protists, fungi, and invertebrates, across 20 regions of the planet. The researchers found that positive associations among both pairs and triads of soil taxa govern global soil microbial networks. These positive associations are crucial for maintaining soil biodiversity and enhancing network stability against potential species losses. The study reveals that soil networks with higher levels of positive associations support larger biodiversity and are more resilient to disturbances. The findings highlight the importance of cooperative interactions in soil ecosystems and provide evidence for the widespread prevalence of positive associations among soil organisms. The research also suggests that temperature seasonality is a key environmental factor influencing the structure of these networks, with positive associations becoming more prevalent in colder climates. Overall, the study underscores the critical role of positive associations in maintaining the complexity and stability of soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions.