Why is soil biodiversity considered important?

Soil biodiversity is considered important primarily because it supports ecosystem functions and resilience. A diverse community of organisms in the soil, including bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other microbes, plays a key role in processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil structure formation. These organisms interact in complex ways that contribute to soil health and fertility, which are vital for plant growth and agricultural productivity.

High levels of biodiversity enhance the soil's ability to withstand and recover from disturbances, such as droughts or floods. This resilience is essential for maintaining ecosystem stability and functionality over time. A rich array of soil organisms can also lead to improved disease suppression and nutrient availability, which directly benefits plant life and contributes to overall environmental sustainability.

While reducing soil erosion is a benefit that can be associated with healthy soils, it is largely a result of the functions and interactions facilitated by the diverse organisms present in the soil. Similarly, nor is increased soil temperature a direct benefit of biodiversity, nor is enhanced pesticide effectiveness necessarily a consequence of soil diversity. Therefore, the critical role of biodiversity in supporting ecosystem functions and resilience is what makes it fundamentally important.