Soil Invertebrates As Sentinels Of Soil Health: A Zoological Approach To Soil Quality Assessment.

Abstract

Soil invertebrates, a diverse and often inconspicuous component of terrestrial ecosystems, play a pivotal role in evaluating soil health and quality. As living organisms residing within the soil matrix, they are sensitive indicators of the environmental conditions and overall ecosystem dynamics, making them invaluable sentinels in the assessment of soil quality. This scientific endeavor seeks to expound upon the critical importance of employing a zoological approach for comprehensive soil quality evaluation. The utilization of soil invertebrates as bioindicators facilitates the assessment of both abiotic and biotic factors shaping soil quality. Their mobility allows them to respond to changing environmental conditions, while their small size renders them particularly sensitive to local variations. As agents of decomposition, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem stability, soil invertebrates play a major role in the sustainable development of agriculture and forestry practices. The application of a zoological perspective to soil quality assessment not only elucidates the complex web of interactions within soil ecosystems but also contributes to the advancement of sustainable agricultural and environmental practices