This paper estimates that the economic value of the ecological services provided by soil biota is approximately $US 1.5 trillion.
Recent estimates of the economic value of the ecological services provided by soil biota have been summarized in this paper. The potential value globally is about $US 1.5 trillion (or US$1,500,000,000,000. This immense quantity includes:
These monetary values may have seemed unimaginable in 2007. However, the global financial crisis familiarised all of us with billions and trillions (in $US) as part of the various economic stimulus programs that have been put into place by governments around the world.
Brussaard L, dr Ruiter PC and Brown GG. (2007) Soil biodiversity for agricultural sustainability. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 121: 233-244. Read Abstract.