Exploring Soil Biota: Who is in your soil? What are they doing? How can they be managed?

In this session we will dive into the field of soil ecology, the study of the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment (abiotic and biotic) within the soil. Soil biota will be described by their taxonomy, size classifications, feeding behaviors and more. The different methods used for measuring different groups of biota will be discussed, with live demonstrations of methods including modified Berlese funnels (microarthropods), Baermann funnels (nematodes), and floatation techniques (weevils, beetles, etc.). Methods for how to easily measure the feeding activity of soil biota will also be covered. The ecosystem services and biological processes that are driven by these different organisms will be discussed. The session will then cover how soil biota can be managed to enhance soil health and promote the ecosystem services they provide.