The soil is an important medium that supports life to various plants and animals. It forms an intricate ecosystem where variety of living organisms survive which include earthworms, nematodes, protozoans, fungi and collembolans (insects). Each of these organisms has their own importance in the soil. Together they contribute in recycling of nutrients and makes the soil fertile.The dead organic matter in soil, like plant residues act as carbon source for these organism and are stored as biomass. Earthworm makes the soil porous, which invites more air and water in soil. athey breakdown dead organic matter into simpler forms, suitable for bacteria and fungi. They also help in mixing of soil which adds to fertility of soil. Bacteria and fungi further decompose and release nutrients into the soil. Bacteria called Actinomycetes even digests the lignin and cellulose of plant residues into simple nutrients and adds to soil. Protozoa and nematodes mineralize nutrients and make them available for plants and other soil organisms. Protozoans feed on bacteria and regulate bacteria and algae populations. Nematodes too feed on bacteria and fungi and release nitrogen as ammonium ions that can be readily used by plants. Collembola, eats mycorrhizae on roots which stimulate the growth of the symbiont and improves the growth of the plant. In addition to it, Collembola also consumes the pest fungi and reduces diseases. Solution The soil is an important medium that supports life to various plants and animals. It forms an intricate ecosystem where variety of living organisms survive which include earthworms, nematodes, protozoans, fungi and collembolans (insects). Each of these organisms has their own importance in the soil. Together they contribute in recycling of nutrients and makes the soil fertile.The dead organic matter in soil, like plant residues act as carbon source for these organism and are stored as biomass. Earthworm makes the soil porous, which invites more air and water in soil. athey breakdown dead organic matter into simpler forms, suitable for bacteria and fungi. They also help in mixing of soil which adds to fertility of soil. Bacteria and fungi further decompose and release nutrients into the soil. Bacteria called Actinomycetes even digests the lignin and cellulose of plant residues into simple nutrients and adds to soil. Protozoa and nematodes mineralize nutrients and make them available for plants and other soil organisms. Protozoans feed on bacteria and regulate bacteria and algae populations. Nematodes too feed on bacteria and fungi and release nitrogen as ammonium ions that can be readily used by plants. Collembola, eats mycorrhizae on roots which stimulate the growth of the symbiont and improves the growth of the plant. In addition to it, Collembola also consumes the pest fungi and reduces diseases..

1. The soil is an important medium that supports life to various plants and animals. It forms an
intricate ecosystem where variety of living organisms survive which include earthworms,
nematodes, protozoans, fungi and collembolans (insects). Each of these organisms has their own
importance in the soil. Together they contribute in recycling of nutrients and makes the soil
fertile.The dead organic matter in soil, like plant residues act as carbon source for these organism
and are stored as biomass.
Earthworm makes the soil porous, which invites more air and water in soil. athey breakdown
dead organic matter into simpler forms, suitable for bacteria and fungi. They also help in mixing
of soil which adds to fertility of soil.
Bacteria and fungi further decompose and release nutrients into the soil. Bacteria called
Actinomycetes even digests the lignin and cellulose of plant residues into simple nutrients and
adds to soil.
Protozoa and nematodes mineralize nutrients and make them available for plants and other soil
organisms. Protozoans feed on bacteria and regulate bacteria and algae populations. Nematodes
too feed on bacteria and fungi and release nitrogen as ammonium ions that can be readily used
by plants.
Collembola, eats mycorrhizae on roots which stimulate the growth of the symbiont and improves
the growth of the plant. In addition to it, Collembola also consumes the pest fungi and reduces
diseases.
Solution
The soil is an important medium that supports life to various plants and animals. It forms an
intricate ecosystem where variety of living organisms survive which include earthworms,
nematodes, protozoans, fungi and collembolans (insects). Each of these organisms has their own
importance in the soil. Together they contribute in recycling of nutrients and makes the soil
fertile.The dead organic matter in soil, like plant residues act as carbon source for these organism
and are stored as biomass.
Earthworm makes the soil porous, which invites more air and water in soil. athey breakdown
dead organic matter into simpler forms, suitable for bacteria and fungi. They also help in mixing
of soil which adds to fertility of soil.
Bacteria and fungi further decompose and release nutrients into the soil. Bacteria called
Actinomycetes even digests the lignin and cellulose of plant residues into simple nutrients and
adds to soil.
Protozoa and nematodes mineralize nutrients and make them available for plants and other soil

2. organisms. Protozoans feed on bacteria and regulate bacteria and algae populations. Nematodes
too feed on bacteria and fungi and release nitrogen as ammonium ions that can be readily used
by plants.
Collembola, eats mycorrhizae on roots which stimulate the growth of the symbiont and improves
the growth of the plant. In addition to it, Collembola also consumes the pest fungi and reduces
diseases.