Biological activity of soil
It is the overall intensity of life processes carried out by soil microorganisms and fauna that transform organic matter into nutrients available for plants.
Также говорят: soil microbial activity, soil biodiversity, soil health index
Biological activity is a key indicator of soil health and productivity. It reflects the rate at which organic residues decompose and release essential nutrients for crop development, directly impacting the long-term sustainability of agricultural lands.
Farmers often assess this by monitoring the degradation of organic materials or measuring soil respiration levels. Maintaining high activity requires balanced moisture, neutral pH levels, and consistent application of organic matter to feed the soil food web.
Common errors include excessive tillage, which disturbs microbial habitats, and overuse of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, which can significantly reduce the diversity and function of beneficial soil organisms.