Soil as a Habitat
Beneath our feet lies a hidden world teeming with life, essential to the sustainability and productivity of farming systems. Soil is one of the most diverse habitats on Earth, housing nearly 60% of all life on the planet – making it a globally important reservoir of biodiversity. These soil organisms play a vital role in plant growth, nutrient cycling, disease suppression, climate regulation, and maintaining soil structure. Recent scientific advancements have deepened our understanding of this underground ecosystem, highlighting its importance not just for agriculture but also for broader society. Since farming practices greatly influence soil biodiversity, managing soil in a way that safeguards and supports these essential members of the farming workforce is key.
