Soil Microarthropods and Nutrient Cycling

Soil microarthropods are soil macrofauna which help in assisting soil quality, increasing soil carbon and has a major role in soil biogeochemical cycles. Even though the importance of soil microarthropod groups is studied, their role in soil biogeochemical cycles and soil food webs is not well understood compared to other organisms. In this chapter we explain the importance of soil microarthropods as important components of soil biogeochemical cycles. The role of soil microarthropods in soil soil food webs and biogeochemical cycles is also explained. Moreover, the relationship between soil microarthropods, nutrient cycles and ecosystem management is examined to elucidate the importance of these organisms in soil ecosystems. As climate change is a major issue which has relation to soil biogeochemical cycles, the connection between soil microarthropods, biogeochemical cycles and climate change is discussed. Finally, research gaps are identified in soil biogeochemical cycle related microarthropod research, and important research areas related to this field are proposed. We believe that this chapter will be significant as a good reference related to soil microarthropods, biogeochemical cycles and climate change nexus.