Knowra Soil biodiversity Soil biodiversity Soil biodiversity is the variety of living organisms in soil, from bacteria and fungi to invertebrates and plant roots. Their interactions shape soil structure, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem function.
Soil microbiome : The communities of microorganisms living in soil, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. Microorganisms make up much of soil’s diversity and drive many of its biological processes.
Decomposition : The breakdown of dead organic matter into simpler substances by physical, chemical, and biological processes. Decomposer organisms convert plant litter and other remains into forms that re-enter ecosystems.
Soil health : The capacity of soil to function as a living system that sustains plants, animals, and people. Biological diversity is one dimension used to assess whether soil can sustain its functions.
Land-use change : The conversion or alteration of land cover and management, such as forest clearing or agricultural expansion. Land conversion changes soil habitats and resources, often altering the organisms that persist there.
Soil metagenomics : The sequencing and analysis of genetic material collected directly from soil communities. It reveals organisms and genes that are difficult to detect through cultivation alone.
Soil fauna : Animals that live in soil or spend part of their life cycle there, from nematodes to earthworms. Soil fauna span sizes and ecological roles that complement microbial life.
Nutrient cycling : The movement and transformation of nutrients through organisms and the physical environment. Soil organisms regulate how nutrients become available to plants and other life.
Agroecology : The application of ecological principles to the design and management of sustainable food systems. Agroecological practices can support diverse soil communities while producing food.
Soil degradation : The decline in soil condition and capacity to provide ecological and human benefits. Loss of soil organisms can accompany degradation and weaken biological functions.
Soil biodiversity assessment : The measurement of soil organisms and their diversity using biological sampling and analytical methods. Comparisons depend on how sampling and diversity measures capture uneven, hidden communities.
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