Soil biota, the biologically active powerhouse of soil, include an incredible diversity of organisms. Tons of soil biota, including micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, and algae) and soil “animals� (protozoa, nematodes, mites, springtails, spiders, insects, and earthworms), can live in an acre of soil and are more diverse than the community of plants and animals above ground. Soil biota are concentrated in plant litter, the upper few inches of soil, and along roots. Soil organisms interact with one another, with plant roots, and with their environment, forming the soil food web.
Summary
Soil biota, the biologically active powerhouse of soil, include
an incredible diversity of organisms. Tons of soil biota,
including micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, and algae) and soil
“animals� (protozoa, nematodes, mites, springtails, spiders,
insects, and earthworms), can live in an acre of soil and are
more diverse than the community of plants and animals above
ground. Soil biota are concentrated in plant litter, the upper few
inches of soil, and along roots. Soil organisms interact with one
another, with plant roots, and with their environment, forming
the soil food web.
