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Related Concept Videos

The Soil Ecosystem02:23

The Soil Ecosystem

Plants obtain inorganic minerals and water from the soil, which acts as a natural medium for land plants. The composition and quality of soil depend not only on the chemical constituents but also on the presence of living organisms. In general, soils contain three major components:
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Soil Microbial Ecology01:29

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Latitudinal patterns and environmental correlates of plant root exudation.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils
09:16

Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils

Published on: November 25, 2016

Defining and protecting old-growth soils.

Franciska T de Vries1

  • 1Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090, GE, The Netherlands.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|June 6, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Applying the old-growth concept to soils can help protect these vital ecosystems. Recognizing ancient, undisturbed soils is key to conserving global biodiversity and their unique 3D structures.

Keywords:
carbonecosystem restorationsoil biodiversitysoil food websoil structure

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils
09:16

Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils

Published on: November 25, 2016

Laboratory and Field Protocol for Estimating Sheet Erosion Rates from Dendrogeomorphology
07:20

Laboratory and Field Protocol for Estimating Sheet Erosion Rates from Dendrogeomorphology

Published on: January 7, 2019

Monitoring Pedogenic Inorganic Carbon Accumulation Due to Weathering of Amended Silicate Minerals in Agricultural Soils.
07:32

Monitoring Pedogenic Inorganic Carbon Accumulation Due to Weathering of Amended Silicate Minerals in Agricultural Soils.

Published on: June 4, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Soil Science
  • Ecology
  • Conservation Biology

Background:

  • Soils possess intricate 3D structures crucial for harboring global biodiversity (59%).
  • This unique soil structure is fragile and easily degraded.
  • Currently, soils lack formal protected status, and the locations of the oldest undisturbed soils are unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose the application of the 'old-growth' concept to soils.
  • To advocate for enhanced soil protection strategies.
  • To highlight the importance of identifying and preserving ancient, undisturbed soil ecosystems.

Main Methods:

  • This is a forum article, presenting an argument and conceptual framework.
  • It draws parallels between forest ecology and soil science.
  • It synthesizes existing knowledge on soil structure, biodiversity, and conservation challenges.

Main Results:

  • The old-growth concept provides a framework for identifying and valuing undisturbed soils.
  • Applying this concept can guide conservation efforts for critical soil habitats.
  • It emphasizes the need for proactive measures to prevent soil degradation.

Conclusions:

  • The old-growth soil concept offers a novel approach to soil conservation.
  • Protecting ancient soils is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
  • Further research and policy development are needed to implement this concept effectively.