• Free Resources
    • Blog
    • Webinar Replay
    • Recommended Books
    • Facebook Group
    • 7 Steps to Healthy Soils
  • Courses
    • All Courses
    • Featured Courses
    • Animal Health
    • Biodynamics
    • Compost and Compost Teas
    • Farming Systems
    • Human Health
    • Soil Health
  • My Courses
  • Members Access PRO
    • Members Perks PRO
    • Farm Tours PRO
    • Gold Nuggets PRO
    • Mastermind Replays PRO
    • Regenerative Soil Mastermind CallPRO

    Shopping Cart

    No products in the cart.

    Sign in Sign up

    Shopping Cart

    No products in the cart.

    • Log In
    • Register
    • Get Started
    • Learn About Soil
      • What’s New
      • Blog
      • Farm Tours
      • Podcast
      • Webinar Replay
    • Buy Courses
      • All Courses
      • Featured Courses
      • Short Courses

    Soil Forming Processes – The Effects of Living Organisms

    One of the most important factors affecting soil processes are living organisms. Increasingly, biological activity is being recognised as an important factor in regulating soil processes, such as storage of carbon, and thus soil profile development.

    The role that living organisms play in soil development cannot be overstressed.

    • The accumulation and decay of organic matter,
    • the development of soil structure,
    • the mixing of soil material (bioturbation),
    • nutrient cycling,
    • the physical breakup of bedrock by roots
    • the bacterial destruction of clay minerals

    are all the result of organisms living in the soil, and are critical soil-forming processes.

    In a broad sense, the activity of organisms in the soil is closely linked to climate. Biological activity is also present in hot, dry desert regions, in low temperatures or in very wet conditions, even though bacterial decomposition is reduced and organic matter accumulates. In the warm and wet conditions of the tropics, both bacterial and fungal activity are intense. In temperate zones, burrowing mammals, beetles and earthworms can have a strong influence on soil processes by facilitating the transfer of water and air along burrows and channels. In the tropics, termites and ants play a major role in nutrient recycling and the redistribution of soil material – the movement of particles of subsoil to the surface by termites is one of the main factors responsible for the homogenised profiles that are typical of some tropical soils.

    Soil formation driven by human activity.
    Some people argue that all cultivated soils have been affected or altered by human activity through the mixing of topsoil and subsoil by ploughing, changing the chemical balance through liming, or depleting nutrients through intensive farming. However, there are numerous examples throughout the world where the entire soil body was either totally formed, or at least profoundly modified, through human activities, such as the addition of organic materials or household wastes, irrigation or cultivation. Collectively known as Anthrosols, examples include:

    • very deep tillage that is below the depth of normal
    • ploughing – often through the use of terraces
    • intensive fertilisation with organic fertilisers such as manure,
    • kitchen refuse, compost, human excrement
    • continuous application of earth (e.g. sods, beach sand and shells) or sediment through irrigation
    • wet cultivation that involves puddling the surface of the soil or human-induced wetness (e.g. paddy fields for rice cultivation)

    Another major human management factor is drainage which affects the frequency and duration of periods when the soil is saturated by water. In waterlogged soils, drainage can allow crops to be grown by allowing oxygen to move within the soil. The drainage of peatlands for cultivation can eventually result in total soil loss from shrinkage and wind erosion if the peat is allowed to dry out completely.

    Soil Lovers at Soil Learning Center Say:

    A Successful Farmer Can Build A Healthy Soil Which Is Your Key Asset

    Download PDF

    🔒 PRO Access Only

    Some content on this page is locked to members only!

    Dig Deeper and unearth your connection to the soil. Soil PRO membership is a revolutionary community that connects you with all things soil-related, from global challenges right down to the soil in your own backyard.

    Unlock the years of video archives, search the vault for "soil-utions", connect with mentors who can help you fast track and join an online community of soil loving enthusiasts on our Mastermind Calls.

    It's non-stop soil learning goodness!
    UPGRADE TO PRO NOW
    Locked

    We acknowledge First Nations owners of Country and their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture across Australia and from all over the world. As Soil Lovers we respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we work and pay our respects to the Elders past present and emerging. When caring for your land take a moment in stillness to respect the wisdom your land is sharing with us.

    Facebook-f Youtube Microphone-alt

    Latest Soil Blogs

    Worms Are The Answer!

    Super nutrition for revitalised soils

    Support local while you FindGoodFood with tasty new app

    How Brix Meters work!

    Is the food that you are growing or eating bursting with nutrients?

    Why Soil Organic Matter actually matters

    Soil Matters Monthly Newsletter!

    Dig into the most up-to-date news on soil health and regenerative trends – with community tips from top experts and mentors! Sign Up Now!

    Your information is 100% secure. We will NEVER share your information with anyone.

    ©2006 - 2022 All rights reserved​.

    Made with 🤎 Created by Soil Lovers at Farming Secrets.

    Clear Clear All

    Omg... this sale is crazy!

    Days
    Hours
    Minutes
    Seconds

    hurry up and grab these deals:

    • 50% Courses
    • 30% Digital Downloads
    • 30% Memberships
    View all the deals