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The Role of Microfloral and Faunal Interactions in Affecting Soil Processes

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Microfloral and faunal interactions in natural and agro-ecosystems

Part of the book series: Developments in Biogeochemistry ((DBGC,volume 3))

Overview

Soils and the organisms within them are an integral part of the detritus-decomposition and nutrient-cycling that enables ecosystems to function. The physical, chemical and biotic regimes both buffer and constrain the ongoing nutrient transformations. Using conceptual models and laboratory experiments, a considerable amount of information has been gained about interactions between primary decomposers (bacteria and fungi) and the fauna that feed on them or are predatory on the microbivores. Both bacterial feeders (protozoa and nematodes) and fungal feeders (nematodes) in microcosm experiments showed considerable facilitation of nutrient (nitrogen) return, leading to enhanced nutrient uptake and dry matter yield of test plants.

The trophic interactions mentioned above have been (and are being) tested, using selective biocides in natural ecosystems. The studies are in their early stages and require more investigation.

Recent experiments in agroecosystems are attempting to elucidate how the basic mechanisms of trophic interactions are modified or altered in zero-tillage versus conventional tillage regimes in various crops (such as dryland wheat, soybeans, and corn).

With the existence of many microbivorous forms with high production efficiency, one might expect longer food chains than the classical 4- or 5-membered ones. This, combined with demonstrated feeding effects on symbiotic (mycorrhizal) fungi, means there is much further work needed on microbial/faunal interactions in ecosystems.

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  1. Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and Department of Zoology/Entomology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, USA

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Coleman, D.C. (1986). The Role of Microfloral and Faunal Interactions in Affecting Soil Processes. In: Mitchell, M.J., Nakas, J.P. (eds) Microfloral and faunal interactions in natural and agro-ecosystems. Developments in Biogeochemistry, vol 3. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5173-0_8

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