Soil biology
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2008-05-18T20:23:36Z
Paleorthid
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[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 213291652 by [[Special:Contributions/72.199.30.101|72.199.30.101]] ([[User talk:72.199.30.101|talk]])
'''Soil biology''' is the study of microbial and faunal activity and [[ecology]] in [[soil]]. These organisms include [[earthworm]]s, [[nematode]]s, [[protozoa]], [[fungi]] and [[bacteria]]. Soil biology plays a vital role in determining many soil characteristics yet, being a relatively new science, much remains unknown about soil biology and about how the nature of soil is affected.
== 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|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 life|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:
*[[scientific modelling|Modelling]] of biological processes and [[population dynamics]].
*Soil biology, [[soil physics|physics]] and chemistry: occurrence of physicochemical parameters and surface properties on biological processes and population behavior.
*[[Population biology]] and [[molecular ecology]]: methodological development and contribution to study microbial and faunal populations; diversity and [[population dynamics]]; genetic transfers, influence of [[environmental factors]].
*[[Community ecology]] and functioning processes: interactions between organisms and [[mineral]] or [[organic compounds]]; involvement of such interactions in soil [[pathogenicity]]; transformation of mineral and organic compounds, [[biogeochemical cycle|cycling of elements]]; soil structuration
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 ==
*[[Nitrification]]
*[[Nitrogen cycle]]
*[[Soil ecology]]
*[[Soil life]]
== References ==
* Burges, A., and Raw, F., 1967, Soil Biology: Academic Press
* [http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/concepts/soil_biology/index.html USDA-NRCS - Soil Biology] URL accessed on [[2006]]-[[04-11]]
== Bibliography ==
* Alexander, 1977, Introduction to Soil Microbiology, 2nd edition, John Wiley
* Alexander, 1994, Biodegradation and Bioremediation, Academic Press
* Coyne, 1999, Soil Microbiology: An Exploratory Approach, Delmar
* Doran, J.W., D.C. Coleman, D.F. Bezdicek and B.A. Stewart. 1994. Defining soil quality for a sustainable environment. Soil Science Society of America Special Publication Number 35, ASA, Madison Wis.
*Paul, P.A. and F.E. Clark. 1996, Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry, 2nd edition, Academic Press
* Richards, 1987,The Microbiology of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Longman Scientific & Technical
* Sylvia et al., 1998, Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology, Prentice Hall
* Soil and Water Conservation Society, 2000, Soil Biology Primer.
* Tate, 2000, Soil Microbiology, 2nd edition, John Wiley
* van Elsas et al., 1997, Modern Soil Microbiology, Marcel Dekker
* Wood, 1995, Environmental Soil Biology, 2nd edition, Blackie A & P
== External links ==
*[http://www.safs.msu.edu/soilecology/soilbiology.htm Michigan State University - Soil Ecology and Management: Soil Biology]
*[http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/resources/factsheets/soil-biology-basics New South Wales - Soil Biology Basics]
*[http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/pr%5Fs3sm/ SSSA Division S-3 Soil Biology and Biochemistry]
*[http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/components/7403_02.html University of Minnesota - Soil Biology and Soil Management]
* [http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/naturalresources/ Cranfield University Department of Natural Resources], UK - including the UK National Soil Resources Institute [http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/nsri NSRI]
* [http://www.soil-net.com Soil-Net.com] A free schools-age educational site, featuring much on soil biology and teaching about soil and its importance.
[[Category:Soil biology|*]] [[Category:Soil science]]
*[http://www.soilecology.biology.dal.ca/index.htm Dalhousie Soil Ecology Portal]