- Soil biodiversity refers to the variety of life within the soil. It includes all living soil organisms – insects, spiders, worms, molluscs, protozoa, nematodes, algae, fungi, bacteria, viruses, plants and animals.
- Soil organisms perform vital roles in the soil. They –
- Recycle nutrients and break down organic matter;
- Exchange gases with the atmosphere and capture carbon;
- Affect the availability of water for plants and influence the structure and texture of soil;
- Suppress pests and diseases and affect plant growth.
- Soil ecosystems are one of the most complex natural systems on the planet – and also one of the least understood.
- The number of organisms in soil, and how ‘alive’ it is, is usually drastically underestimated.
- A healthy, biologically active soil is resilient and will buffer changes, such as in climate and land management.
- Soil biodiversity supports all above ground biodiversity.
- Traditionally, soil has been considered as a mineral medium, rather than a living one.
- To underpin our health, food and environment, we must improve our understanding of soil biodiversity.
