← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
The small workers of forest soil
Arthropods participate in decomposition, microbial transport and nutrient recycling. A forestry synthesis explains how these processes connect.
Proceedings published:
Many organisms, connected functions
Moldenke, Pajutee and Ingham bring together knowledge of forest soil arthropods. They describe litter fragmentation, transport of microorganisms and grazing on bacteria and fungi within the food web. [1]
The path of nutrients
Shredding makes plant remains more accessible to decomposers. Consumption of microbial biomass helps release nutrients. The authors propose studying arthropod communities to assess forestry practices. [1]
The forest beneath the litter
Soil surface conditions matter for protecting these relationships. Retaining organic material and planning operations carefully deserve a place in forest management.
A perspective on restoration
Forest regeneration includes living conditions around roots and within litter. Soil monitoring complements observations of vegetation and helps assess restoration progress.
Sources and references
- Moldenke, A., Pajutee, M. & Ingham, E. (2000). The Functional Roles of Forest Soil Arthropods: The Soil Is a Lively Place. USDA Forest Service, PSW-GTR-178, 7–22. Original publication and study record
- Original full paper as PDF