Soils are living, experts explain
- Date:
- June 25, 2015
- Source:
- American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)
- Summary:
- Soils home to more creatures than there are humans on the earth, scientists report. This includes animals, insect, bacteria and fungi.
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In celebration of the International Year of Soil 2015 (IYS), the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is coordinating a series of activities throughout to educate the public about the importance of soil. July's theme is "Soils Are Living."
According to July's IYS monthly leader Mary Stromberger, "soil is a living, dynamic natural resource. It helps us sustain life -- but it doesn't do its job alone. The biodiversity of life in soil is critical to a healthy world." Stromberger is a soil scientist at Colorado State University.
Here are some facts about life in soil:
1. Larger animals like gopher turtles and burrowing owls make their homes in soil. The soil protects them from weather and predators.
2. Insects often live in soil, too. The give back by creating tunnels and helping aerate the soil.
3. Bacteria and fungi -- referred to as microbes -- live in the soil. These tiny creatures provide essential services like converting nitrogen from the air into a form that plants can use for food. They decompose organic matter and aid in weathering of rocks to provide plant nutrients.
Story Source:
Materials provided by American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA). Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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