Soils biodiversity

Soil biodiversity is still poorly understood, yet it is among the most species-rich in terrestrial ecosystems. On a global scale, about 25% of the global biodiversity currently described lives in soils. These organisms form the basis of the terrestrial food chains and thus contribute to the presence and abundance of a wide variety of animal and plant species.

 

Soil biodiversity also plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, storing and purifying water, providing antibiotics and preventing erosion. On Earth, all living beings depend on complex physical-chemical interactions between soils and the organisms that live there.