(a) Describe briefly six ways in which soil organisms aid the formation of soils. (b) State four ways in which soil organisms improve soils for crops growth...

Answer Details

(a) Six ways soil organisms aid the formation of soils

1. Their burrowing and movement break up rock fragments and loosen the soil.
2. They decompose plant and animal remains into humus.
3. Their movement mixes and turns over the soil layers.
4. They secrete acids and other substances that weather the parent rock/material.
5. Their burrowing improves aeration, which promotes chemical weathering.
6. Their dead bodies and excreta (casts) add organic matter to the developing soil.

(b) Four ways soil organisms improve soils for crop growth

1. They decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients for crop use.
2. They improve soil aeration through burrowing.
3. They improve soil structure and increase water infiltration and drainage.
4. Some fix atmospheric nitrogen and increase the humus/organic-matter content of the soil.