soilorganism

Soil organisms are the living components of soil, spanning microscopic organisms such as bacteria and fungi to larger invertebrates like nematodes, arthropods, and earthworms. They inhabit the pore spaces and microhabitats within soil and interact with one another and with plants, influencing soil processes and ecosystem health.

They drive decomposition and nutrient cycling, mineralizing organic matter to release nutrients that plants can use. They contribute to soil structure by producing and binding soil aggregates, which affects porosity, water infiltration, and aeration. Many form symbiotic relationships with plants, including mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia, which enhance nutrient uptake. Microfauna and mesofauna help regulate microbial communities and contribute to disease suppression, while macrofauna like earthworms mix and aerate soil.

In soil ecology, organisms are commonly grouped by size and function: microflora (bacteria, fungi), microfauna (protozoa, nematodes), mesofauna (mites, springtails, enchytraeids), and macrofauna (earthworms, larger arthropods). These groups form a soil food web in which energy flows from organic matter through consumers and decomposers, supporting soil fertility and resilience.

Community composition is strongly influenced by soil type, pH, moisture and temperature, organic matter content, and land management practices. Disturbances, pollution, and climate change can alter diversity and the functioning of nutrient cycling, disease regulation, and carbon dynamics.

Researchers study soil organisms through soil sampling, microscopy, and molecular methods such as DNA sequencing and metagenomics. Understanding their roles supports agriculture and ecosystem services, including soil formation, carbon storage, nutrient availability, and pest suppression.