Living Soils
Does life exist in soil?
Soil is brimming with life – just think of earthworms, dung beetles
and termites. But there's much more than meets the eye! Topsoil - the
layer of soil closest to the surface - is a complex food web teeming with
tiny creatures like bacteria and fungi, and animals like amoebae, springtails
and mites. These microscopic organisms eat decaying organic matter and
by doing so they reduce waste and release nutrients for plants to use.
 
Creatures such as earthworms (left) and tiny springtails
(right) populate soil.
Did you know? - Most of our planet’s undiscovered
biodiversity lives in soil, as less than 10% of soil organisms have been
identified. While many of these are beneficial, some can cause diseases
in plants and animals, including humans.
Why is soil fertility important?
Fertile soils are those that have enough nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium,
along with other nutrients needed by plants. These chemicals help plants
use carbohydrates to gain energy, and they help them function and grow.
Given the relatively poor quality of many Australian soils, it's hardly
surprising that our farmers have relied on fertilisers to boost soil nutrient
levels and increase plant production.
Soil for plants and wildlife
If too much fertiliser is added to soil, it can end up travelling into
groundwater and surface water. This in turn affects plants and wildlife
living in and around these waterways. By using our knowledge about soils,
we can add just the right amount of nutrients and stop them from leaching
into the landscape.
Case study: how can we SAVE OUR SOILS?
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