Soil macro fauna: A retrospection with reference to soil formation and soil health

Abstract

Earthworms, termites and ants are the major group of soil macrofauna. They can alter the soil environment by changing soil properties. They have great potentiality to change soil physical properties like bulk density, infiltrability, hydraulic conductivity, porosity, aggregate stability. Due to this ability they are only species which plays a significant role in pedoturbation. Similarly, their role in nutrient cycling and organic matter breakdown is of unique interest. Earthworm cast, termite mounds and ant nest are fortified with the microbial population. Increasing microbial activity in soil increases the nutrient mineralization and release. Their activity enhances root distribution so that immobile macro nutrients like phosphorous and other micronutrients, which are absorbed by plant through root interception, are easily available to the plants. Hence, these groups of soil macrofauna play an important role in soil formation and maintenance of soil health and they are considered as ‘soil engineers’.