Bodenfauna

Bodenfauna, or soil fauna, refers to the animals that inhabit soil environments, forming a diverse community from the surface litter down to several decimeters depth. The soil fauna is commonly categorized by size into microfauna, mesofauna, and macrofauna, and it includes a range of invertebrates such as nematodes, protozoa, mites, springtails, earthworms, beetles, and millipedes.

Microfauna comprises the smallest soil dwellers, including nematodes and protozoa, which interact closely with microbial communities and organic matter. Mesofauna includes slightly larger organisms such as mites, springtails, and enchytraeid worms that feed on fungi, bacteria, and decaying material. Macrofauna consists of larger inhabitants like earthworms, beetles, woodlice, and some millipedes that profoundly influence soil structure and nutrient dynamics.

The functions of Bodenfauna are central to soil health and ecosystem productivity. They drive decomposition and nutrient mineralization, help regulate microbial communities, and contribute to soil structure through bioturbation and casting. By creating pore networks and mixing organic matter with mineral soil, they improve aeration, drainage, and root penetration. Some species also participate in seed dispersal and predation on pests, contributing to natural pest control.

Environmental factors strongly shape soil fauna communities. Moisture, temperature, pH, and the content and type of organic matter determine which organisms thrive. Land use, tillage, fertilization, and pesticide application can alter abundance and diversity, with intensive agriculture often reducing macrofaunal activity. Climate change is also expected to affect soil fauna distributions and functions.

Methods for study include soil coring and extraction techniques such as Berlese-Tullgren funnels for microarthropods, Baermann funnels for nematodes, and pitfall traps for surface-active species. Despite methodological challenges, Bodenfauna remains a key indicator of soil health and ecological integrity.