Soil management for the benefit of invertebrates.

Abstract

The soil ecosystem has been defined as a life support system composed of air, water, minerals, flora, fauna and micro-organisms all of which interact and function together. Thus soil is a dynamic system that contains a diverse range of soil micro and macro-organisms that contribute to maintenance and improvement of soil health and structure. Soil structure, soil microbial activity and biodiversity are therefore inextricably linked and play a role in many natural processes that ultimately determine agricultural productivity. However, these processes are influenced and greatly affected by different cropping and cultivation practices.