ASSIGNMENT 4: Soil Organic Matter
Bioturbation is the mixing of (plant) residues into soils and sediments by biotic activity. It is one of the fundamental processes in ecology, as it stimulates decomposition, creates habitats for other (micro)fauna and increases gas- and water flow through the soil. The video will show you a system without (left) and with (right) soil fauna such as earthworms, potworms, collembola, mites and isopods over a 15-week period. During this period, whereas only small fungal activity can be seen on the left side, the layer of leaves on the right side is almost completely incorporated in the soil due to the interaction between microbes, microfauna and mesofauna.
Watch the video (button below) and make a few comments about what you learn from the short video.