Dr.
Khosi Ramachela

Topic:

Soil Biodiversity: An Understudied Driver of Sustainable Agriculture Production Systems

Abstract: 

Sustainable agriculture is use of natural resources for continuous provision of agricultural products and services. Very often this understanding is generally discussed with minimum analysis on drivers of the processes.  Soil health is the major driver of these processes. Soil health is highly influenced by the soil biodiversity. This is relationship is however not given recognition and attention it deserves. This paper discusses various roles played by biotic factors such as invertebrates and soil micro-organisms in maintenance and promotion of soil health. Soil invertebrates that include earthworms, termites, play an important role in soil aeration and incorporation of organic matter. This process drives the soil microbial activities which in turn drive nutrient recycling. Of particular interest is mycorrhizal fungi that plays a critical role in mobilization of nutrients and making them available to plants. This fungal species and various other microbes also play an important role in protecting plants against soilborne pathogens. This is important for the establishment of a sustainable agro ecosystems. Furthermore, the paper analyses use of these factors for re-habilitation of degraded soils. In conclusion the paper brings out importance of maintenance of soil biodiversity in climate change mitigation and adaptation by enhancing soil carbon sequestration.