Soil organisms play an essential role in the breakdown of organic matter and other complex molecules. These activities are also linked to processes that lead to the aggregation of soil particles into a friable soil structure that is beneficial for the growth of plants. The inter-connected activities of soil organisms improve soil stability and underpin nutrient cycling on a global scale.
Part 2 covers the chemical and physical processes associated with the activity of soil organisms including: (i) in nutrient cycling; (ii) in degrading complex molecules such as pesticides and chemicals that may contaminate the environment, and (iii) in soil stabilisation and other soil physical processes.