How can animal life help soil structure and texture?
Soils contain a diverse range of micro and macro-organisms that contribute to improving soil health and structure. Soil fauna (microfauna; mesofauna; macrofauna) each contribute in different ways. Microfauna inhabit the soil solution and utilise organic compounds of low molecular weight. They contribute to the formation of a stable soil structure as filamentous fungi and actinomycetes entrap soil particles to form aggregates that are stabilised by polysaccharides, lipids and proteins from microbial degradation of plant residues and soil humus. Mesofauna inhabit the pore system and feed upon fungi, decomposed plant material and mineral particles. They principally contribute to nutrient recycling and create micro aggregates that provide soil structural stability Macrofauna (e.g earthworms) live between soil micro-aggregates feeding upon the soil substrate, soil microflora and fauna, soil organic matter and surface flora and fauna. Physical structure is modified by the creation of burrows
