Who Lives in the Soil?

This lab activity aims to extract organisms from urban soil samples using a Berlese-Tullgren apparatus and compare biodiversity among different soil samples. Participants learn about the diverse range of soil organisms, including invertebrates, bacteria, fungi, and earthworms, and their vital contributions to nutrient cycling and soil fertility. The Berlese funnel is employed to extract soil arthropods, and students set up the apparatus using simple materials. They collect soil samples, observe the organisms that accumulate over several days, and examine them under a microscope. Field observations focus on earthworm abundance and the presence of other soil organisms, with an evaluation of soil biodiversity. The significance of soil organisms for crop production and considerations for managing them, such as cultivation practices, compaction, and pesticide use, are also discussed. This lab activity offers a hands-on opportunity for students to explore soil biodiversity and gain insights into the ecological roles of soil organisms in maintaining healthy ecosystems.