Soil organism loss
Impact
Healthy soils are teeming with bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, mites, collembolan and earthworms. These organisms are integral to soil health as they contribute to the development of soil structure, the dynamics of organic matter, and the availability of nutrients for plant growth. The complex interaction of all these microscopic life forms is still poorly understood.
Suggested indicator: Soil life+
A loss of soil organisms may be associated with:
| Potential associated impacts | Suggested indicators+ |
| Reduced soil nutrient cycling and availability leading to reduced vegetation growth and condition |
|
| Soil structure decline that can result in soil erosion |
|
+Descriptions of indicators (PDF, 76K)* provides a brief description of each indicator including techniques and purpose.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated: 07 September 2010