Fungistasis and general soil biostasis - A new synthesis

► We review major breakthroughs in understanding the mechanisms of soil fungistasis. ► We indicate mechanistic links between inhibition and nutrient-deficiency theories. ► We link fungistasis mechanisms with strategies to increase general disease suppression. ► We discuss the impact of fungistasis on fungal life-history characteristics. ► We propose that similar principles are involved in fungistasis and soil biostasis.