Copy
Atmospheric carbon dioxide is initially assimilated into plants during photosynthesis.
Mineral nutrients are released from each of the consumers steps, becoming available for plant uptake through the cycle.
Living organisms die and their residues enter the soil ecosystem.
As the non-living organic matter enters the soil food web, primary consumers go to work decomposing and feeding on the assimilated carbon.
Fungi are multi-celled, non-photosynthetic organisms that are comprised of their own kingdom of life. Fungi contain hyphae (root like structures) and fruiting bodies (mushrooms).
Bacteria and Actinomycetes are microscopic single celled organisms. Though there are many different types, in this article we are focused on the types that decompose and recycle dead, carbon containing structures in the soil.
This group of arthropods feed only fungi, helping to regulate fungus population in the soil to maintain balance. Like other arthropods, this group helps aerate the soil, break down organic matter and help other organisms in decomposition.
Fungal-feeding nematodes are attracted to and actively feed on fungi n the soil. Some species of fungi-eating nematodes are able to feed on pathogenic fungi that infect plants. For example, the nematode Aphelenchus avenae, feed on two foot-rot fungi in corn. If fungal populations decrease, fungi-eating nematode numbers responds and decreases rapidly.
As primary consumers die, secondary consumers play their role in the cycle. Protozoa are tiny, single-celled animals that include amoebas, ciliates and flagellates.
This group of nematodes feed on bacteria, playing an essential role in dispersing organic matter and decomposers throughout the soil. Nematodes require moist conditions to move throughout the soil, and if microbial biomass shrinks, this group will become dormant.
Omni-Nematodes encapsulate all nematodes types, specifically those that are higher up in the soil food web.
Predatory nematodes feed on more than 250 different microorganisms, along with other nematodes, in the soil. Primarily, this is done through ingesting, piercing, or sucking of soil organisms, such as protozoa, nematodes etc. When considered altogether, nematodes are believed to be beneficial, their abundance is a key indicator of healthy soils.
As one of the most abundant groups in the soil, mites are an indicator of environmental disturbance. Free living nematodes may be fed upon by soil mites. This group of nematode-eating mites tend to be found deeper in the soil, are relatively small, and feed on nematodes and other small invertebrates.
Predatory mites are considered to be polyphagous, meaning they are able to feed on different pests making them versatile predators. These mites tend to feed on microorganisms in the soil no matter the life stage (i.e. egg, nymph, or adult). Mites are important components of the food web through the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients in the soil.
Some carbon is released from the soil from metabolic activities of the soil food web and is normal.