The soil foodweb is a complex system made up of microscopic and macroscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa. These organisms provide vital functions by keeping disease-causing organisms in check, helping to cycle soil nutrients, allowing healthy root growth, and providing a highway for air and water to pass.

For more information, check out the USDA NRC Soil Quality Institute (SQI) website which has a number of excellent links and information on soil quality.The SQI also produced and distributes the Soil Biology Primer, which is a 52-page booklet that introduces the role living organisms play in soil productivity and air and waterquality. The Primer contains lots of information specifically on the soil foodweb.

There is an on-line version, which includes all the text of the original but not all the images of soil organisms. The full story of the soil foodweb is more readily understood with the aid of all of the photos and illustrations in the original.  To have ordering information sent to you, send an e-mail request with your phone number and full address to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .