Soil biodiversity reflects the variability among living organisms including a myriad of organisms not visible with the naked eye, such as micro-organisms and mesofauna, as well as the more familiar macro-fauna.
Soil biota contributes to the provision of ecosystem services in several ways. Two examples are the ability of micro-organisms to decompose pollutants and the increase of infiltration capacity by the presence of earthworm channels.
Soil is essential for life on Earth – for plant growth, serves as a home for myriad organisms, is essential for food and wood production, water storage and filtration, nutrient storage and regulation, surface runoff regulation, and many more. It performs key ecosystem services that enable human well-being, ecosystem functioning and contribute to the biodiversity. Protecting soil is a fundamental priority for all. Many initiatives worldwide are encouraging soil conservation practices that protect the loss of this vital legacy. Contribution to soil protection within Links4Soils project, was a leaflet with guidelines – dedicated to all “users” in order to raise awareness on soil protection in our every day. Links4Soils collected, developed and visualized guidelines for sustainable soil management.
The importance of earthworms in a complex, fragile network of living organisms which work in close interdependence with one another (bacteria, fungi, arthropods, earthworms) was also recognized in the Links4Soils project. This Links4Soils booklet aims to offer a closer look at the unique position occupied by these animals in the ecosystems on which we depend for our survival. We focused on mountain soils, long neglected due to the climatic and geographical constraints limiting their fertility. Special attention is also given to forest ecosystems.
Soils are relevant in many different sectors of decision-making and governing: Agriculture, Forestry, Natural hazard management, Nature protection and biodiversity, Tourism, Spatial planning and urban environment.
Join us to discover the unique, little-known role of earthworms in our forests despite the considerable constraints imposed by gravity and the weather confronting them in the mountains.
