Soil fauna and soil function in the fabric of the food web

Through much research, the biological, biophysical, and biochemical interactions in soil are now understood much better. Tilling and fertilizing crop areas greatly affect decomposition and production processes, and hence the soil food web. By using a conceptual model to analyze the biophysical interactions, especially between soil fauna and soil structure, we can better understand the biological and biochemical processes in soil and their relation to the availability of water and nutrients to plants. This knowledge will help soil ecologists to increase the efficiency of crop production worldwide, reverse soil degradation and increase soil resilience.