bioturbace

Bioturbation refers to the process by which organisms living in soil and sediment rework their environment. This mixing and churning is performed by a variety of animals, including earthworms, insects, burrowing mammals, and marine invertebrates like clams and worms. These organisms alter the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the substrates they inhabit.

Physically, bioturbation can lead to the homogenization of sediment layers, the creation of burrows and tubes, and changes in particle size distribution. This mixing can break down stratification, redistribute nutrients, and influence water and gas exchange within the soil or sediment. Chemically, the activity of bioturbating organisms can affect nutrient cycling, the redox state of the environment, and the distribution of organic matter. For example, burrowing can introduce oxygen into deeper, anoxic layers, altering chemical reactions.

Biologically, bioturbation creates new habitats and influences microbial communities. The physical disturbance can expose or bury microbes, altering their access to resources and their survival rates. In aquatic ecosystems, bioturbation is a key process in benthic environments, influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms and the overall health of the ecosystem. The depth and intensity of bioturbation vary greatly depending on the type of organism, its density, and the environmental conditions.