2.3 Soil Biology and
Ecology
Introduction 3
Instructor’s Lecture Outline 5
Detailed Lecture Outline for Students 9
Demonstration 1: Organic Matter Decomposition in Litter Bags 21
Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 21
Step-by-Step Instructions for Students 23
Demonstration 2: Soil Respiration 25
Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 25
Step-by-Step Instructions for Students 27
Demonstration 3: Assessing Earthworm Populations as
Indicators of Soil Quality 31Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 31
Step-by-Step Instructions for Students 33
Demonstration 4: Soil Arthropods 35
Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 36
Hands-On Exercise: Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization 37
Assessment Questions and Key 41
Resources 43