Soil ecology

Soil ecology

The study of the interactions among soil organisms, and between biotic and abiotic aspects of the soil environment. Soil is made up of a multitude of physical, chemical, and biological entities, with many interactions occurring among them. Soil is a variable mixture of broken and weathered minerals and decaying organic matter. Together with the proper amounts of air and water, it supplies, in part, sustenance for plants as well as mechanical support.

Abiotic and biotic factors lead to certain chemical changes in the top few decimeters (8–10 in.) of soil. The work of the soil ecologist is made easier by the fact that the surface 10–15 cm (4–6 in.) of the A horizon has the majority of plant roots, microorganisms, and fauna. A majority of the biological-chemical activities occur in this surface layer.

The biological aspects of soil range from major organic inputs, decomposition by primary decomposers (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes), and interactions between microorganisms and fauna (secondary decomposers) which feed on them. The detritus decomposition pathway occurs on or within the soil after plant materials (litter, roots, sloughed cells, and soluble compounds) become available through death or senescence. Plant products are used by microorganisms (primary decomposers). These are eaten by the fauna which thus affect flows of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. The immobilization of nutrients into plants or microorganisms and their subsequent mineralization are critical pathways. The labile inorganic pool is the principal one that permits subsequent microorganism and plant existence. Scarcity of some nutrient often limits production. Most importantly, it is the rates of flux into and out of these labile inorganic pools which enable ecosystems to successfully function. See Ecology, Ecosystem, Guild, Soil, Systems ecology