Summary
Soil organisms such as worms, fungi and bacteria drive decomposition and nutrient availability.
In depth
Soil is a living system with bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes and earthworms. Organic matter improves structure and water holding. Soil profiles have horizons O, A, B and C.
Soil formation takes hundreds of years per centimetre. Erosion and compaction reduce fertility. Soil carbon storage is crucial in climate.
Example: earthworms mix organic matter and form aggregates.
Soil is a living ecosystem. A handful holds billions of organisms: bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, nematodes, mites, springtails and earthworms. They decompose organic matter, cycle nutrients, form aggregates that improve structure and water retention, and suppress pests.
Mycorrhizal fungi extend roots, exchanging nutrients for sugars; nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium supply plants with nitrogen; earthworms mix and aerate soil. Soil carbon stores more than the atmosphere and vegetation combined. Tillage, compaction, pesticides and erosion damage soil life, and building a centimetre of soil can take hundreds of years.
Example: the soil food web feeds plants through microbial turnover.
Frequently asked questions
What is Soil Ecology?
Soil organisms such as worms, fungi and bacteria drive decomposition and nutrient availability.
Which area of biology covers Soil Ecology, and how advanced is it?
Soil Ecology is one of the 54 topics in Marine & Environmental Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Permafrost and Methane, Acid Rain, Water Quality Indicators.
Why does Soil Ecology matter?
Healthy soil underlies food security.
Can you give an example of Soil Ecology?
A gram of soil can hold billions of bacteria.
What should I learn before Soil Ecology?
Work through the Beginner topics in Marine & Environmental Biology first, such as Oceans, Ocean Zones, Plankton, then return to Soil Ecology. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Soil Ecology?
The closest topics to Soil Ecology are Permafrost and Methane, Acid Rain, Water Quality Indicators, Biological Pump. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Soil Ecology?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Soil Ecology. To practise the whole of Marine & Environmental Biology, use the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz.
How is Soil Ecology different from Permafrost and Methane?
Soil Ecology: Soil organisms such as worms, fungi and bacteria drive decomposition and nutrient availability. Permafrost and Methane: Thawing frozen soils release methane and carbon dioxide, accelerating warming. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Soil Ecology step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Permafrost and Methane and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.