Connections to Our Research

So far, you have learned that understanding interactions between the organisms in the soil ecosystem is key to understanding the function of soil. So what controls the interactions that occur between soil organisms?

Like all creatures, soil organisms affect, and are affected by,their surrounding environment. Two factors that are critical for understanding soil organisms and their environment are the level of soil moisture and the temperature of the soil. To have a full understanding of how the soil ecosystem works, you must understand these factors as well.

Just as the outside temperature varies daily and seasonally, so does the temperature of the soil. A sudden rainstorm can drastically change soil moisture in a matter of minutes. Temperatures and moisture levels in the soil affect the activity of all soil organisms, thereby affecting the rate of soil decomposition.

To study the rate of decomposition and soil regeneration, we need more information about how temperature and moisture levels effect soil organisms and their interactions. To get this valuable information, we developed a wireless sensor network to monitor soil moisture levels and temperatures throughout the year.

This wireless sensor network is able to continuously measure the temperature and moisture of the soil - measurements that were once very expensive and difficult to make. These measurements give us information about how soil organisms react to different temperatures and moisture levels in the soil. The wireless sensor network also gives us information about decomposition and soil regeneration. All of these factors will help us learn more about soil in relation to temperature and moisture levels.

USDA Farming System Project study plots