General Course Questions

Hi, Maya. R the role in soil of mites and nematode just grazing on soil bacteria, and stimulate the nitrogen cycle? And does heterotrophic bacteria have any roles other than decompose organic matter? Thank you!

Nematodes (but not mites) feed on bacteria and due to their low N requirement nematodes release surplus of N into soil solution, which then becomes available to other organisms (including plants)

Mites perform other functions such as shredding & mixing of soil material, the also do a bit of burrowing. The can also enhance aggregate formation by ingesting mineral & organic soil particles.

Heterotrophic bacteria decompose organic matter and by doing that they help with the release of the available forms of N, S and P.

All soil organisms also add to the pool of soil organic matter once they die