| Soil Biology |
Article Index for Soil |
Website Links For Soil |
Information AboutSoil Biology |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SOIL BIOLOGY | |
| soil biologysoil biology | |
| ecology | |
| soil science | |
| biology | |
|
OVERVIEW The soil is home to a large proportion of the world's genetic diversity. The linkages between soil organisms and soil functions are observed to be incredibly complex. The interconnectedness and complexity of this Soil ‘food Web’ means any appraisal of soil function must necessarily take into account interactions with the living communities that exist within the soil. We know that Soil Organisms break down Organic Matter , making nutrients available for uptake by plants and other organisms. The nutrients stored in the bodies of soil organisms prevent nutrient loss by Leaching . Microbial exudates act to maintain Soil Structure , and earthworms are important in Bioturbation . However, we find that we don't understand critical aspects about how these populations function and interact. The discovery of Glomalin in 1995 indicates that we lack the knowledge to correctly answer some of the most basic questions about the Biogeochemical cycle in soils. We have much work ahead to gain a better understanding of how soil biological components affect us and the planet they share with us. SCOPE Soil biology involves work in the following areas:
Complementary disciplinary approaches are necessarily utilized which involve Molecular Biology , Genetics , ecophysiology, Biogeography , ecology, soil processes, organic matter, nutrient dynamics and Landscape Ecology . SEE ALSO REFERENCES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
EXTERNAL LINKS
|
|
|