TOFG-all

2.3

Soil Biology and

Ecology

Introduction 85

Lecture 1: Soil Biology and Ecology 87

Demonstration 1: Organic Matter Decomposition in Litter Bags

Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 101

Step-by-Step Instructions for Students 103

Demonstration 2: Soil Respiration

Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 105

Step-by-Step Instructions for Students 107

Demonstration 3: Assessing Earthworm Populations as

Indicators of Soil Quality

Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 111

Step-by-Step Instructions for Students 113

Demonstration 4: Soil Arthropods

Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 115

Assessment Questions and Key 117

Resources 119

Appendices

1. Major Organic Components of Typical Decomposer 121
   Food Sources


2. Litter Bag Data Sheet 122


3. Litter Bag Data Sheet Example 123


4. Soil Respiration Data Sheet 124


5. Earthworm Data Sheet 125


6. Arthropod Data Sheet 126