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Soil life, soil biota, soil fauna, or edaphon is a collective term that encompasses all organisms that spend a significant portion of their life cycle within a soil profile, or at the soil-litter interface. These organisms include earthworms, nematodes, protozoa, fungi, bacteria, different arthropods, as well as some reptiles (such as snakes ...
The presence of these organisms is critical in maintaining the nutrient cycles within the soil, and make available the necessary nutrients for the growth of epiphytes and the micro-ecosystem. The microorganism community found in canopy soils has been found to be distinct, but similar to the communities found in the soil of the forest floor. [4]
They sequester nitrogen and other nutrients that might otherwise enter groundwater, and they fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, making it available to plants. Many organisms enhance soil aggregation and porosity, thus increasing infiltration and reducing surface runoff. Soil organisms prey on crop pests and are food for above-ground animals.
Tillandsia bourgaei growing on an oak tree in Mexico. An epiphyte is a plant or plant-like organism that grows on the surface of another plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water (in marine environments) or from debris accumulating around it. The plants on which epiphytes grow are called phorophytes.
Bacteria and Archaea, the smallest organisms in soil apart from viruses, are prokaryotic. They are the most abundant microorganisms in the soil, and serve many important purposes, including nitrogen fixation. [9] Some bacteria can colonize minerals in the soil and help influence weathering and the breaking down of these minerals.
By the process of biological decomposition by microfauna, bacteria, and fungi, CO 2 and H 2 O, nutrient elements, and a decomposition-resistant organic substance called humus are released. Humus composes the bulk of organic matter in the lower soil profile. [3]
The mixing and turning of soil caused by organisms moving through the soil. [7] blood meal A byproduct made from the fresh blood of slaughtered animals, [7] commonly used as an organic fertilizer for cultivated plants. It is rich in crude protein and amino acids. boar An adult male hog of breeding age. [5]: 27 board foot (FBM)
Xero-halophytes (grow on dry or mostly dry lands) Aero-halines (epiphytes and aerophytes) Again, according to Iversen (1936), these plants are classified with respect to the salinity of the soil on which they grow. [3] Oligo-halophytes (amount of NaCl in the soil is 0.01 to 0.1%) Meso-halophytes (amount of NaCl in the soil is 0.1 to 1%)