What is soil biodiversity?

Soils host a quarter of our planet’s biodiversity. There are billions of microorganisms in a handful of soil — bacteria, fungi, and protozoans, as well as thousands of insects, mites and worms.

A diverse and fully functioning soil food web provides for nutrient, energy, and water cycling that allows a soil to express its full potential. Soils and soil organisms provide a multitude of ecosystem services, including waste breakdown, release of nutrients, enhancement of soil structure and biodegradation of pesticides and other chemicals. They also act as a sink for greenhouse gas emissions and fight pests and soil-borne plant pathogens, benefiting human and animal digestive and immunological health. When the genetic and species diversity of soil organisms is maintained, the soils’ invaluable functions are maintained.