Highly fertile anthropogenic soils enriched with charcoal, organic matter, and nutrients, such as Amazonian Terra Preta.
The breakdown of organic matter by soil organisms, releasing nutrients back into the soil and atmosphere.
Tillage operations that loosen compacted soil layers deeper than normal ploughing, improving root penetration and drainage.
A shortage of an essential nutrient that limits plant growth, visible through symptoms like chlorosis or stunted growth.
The removal of trees and forests for agriculture, settlements, or logging, often causing erosion, biodiversity loss, and carbon emissions.
The microbial conversion of nitrate into nitrogen gases (N₂, N₂O), resulting in nitrogen loss from soils.
The settling of soil particles or other materials transported by wind, water, or ice, leading to sediment accumulation.
Land degradation in dry areas caused by overgrazing, deforestation, poor irrigation practices, or climate change, leading to loss of soil fertility.
Organisms such as earthworms, termites, and some insects that feed on dead organic matter, helping to recycle nutrients.
Microscopic algae with silica shells found in water and soils, important in nutrient cycling and bioindicators of environmental change.
