Soil Science

Soil Mixing

In soils, there are a number of processes that work in opposition to horizon-forming processes like eluviation. These are known as soil-mixing processes or pedoturbation.

Soil fauna such as earthworms, ants, and burrowing mammals can move large amounts of soil within the profile, some of which may be brought to the surface.

For example, in some environments, earthworms may deposit 10-100 t/ha of castings on the soil surface each year. Soil mixing by organisms is called bioturbation.

Examples of other forms of pedoturbation are the upheaval associated with tree fall and shrink-swell in Vertosols to produce gilgai.

Watch an example of pedoturbation by ants below.

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