Soil is a unique and fascinating part of our planet. It's the only place on Earth where the hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), lithosphere (rock), and biosphere (life) all come together. More than just dirt, soil is a living system that supports crucial environmental processes, making life on land possible.
One of the most exciting areas in modern soil science is soil biodiversity. In fact, the revised World Soil Charter (FAO, 2015) highlights how vital this is for our future. Yet, despite its importance, soil biology—especially the role of soil animals—remains one of the least understood aspects of the soil.
This course will dive into the hidden world of soil creatures, exploring their incredible diversity, how they contribute to essential soil processes, and how they interact with other species and the environment. You’ll also learn how their populations change over time and how human activities and environmental factors influence them.
Have a look at these videos to get an idea about the subject. I have a lot of interesting stuff ready for you to do in the field and the class this semester. If the videos do not appear on your browser, copy these links and play on YouTube.
- Course Coordinator: Dr. WMCJ Wijekoon
- Lecturer: Mr. Sandun Piyaruwan