"Bio" - living as in insects, animals, etc
"Tur" or ter - wearing away or breaking down
Bioturbation is the movement of soil by living organisms. Soil can move laterally, upward, or downward. Very obvious forms of this occur as gopher mounds! (Think Bill Murray's sisyphusian quest in Caddy Shack).
Photo Credit: http://news.moviefone.ca/2010/07/25/30-things-you-might-not-know-about-caddyshack/
Less obvious are those by plant roots and smaller organisms such as ants, earthworms, bivalves (e.g. clams), or even crabs.
Bioturbation of beach sand in Florida by crabs.
Unfortunately, in the context of homeowners, golf course grounds keepers, or landscaping professionals bioturbation can appear as an aesthetic nightmare! The urge to run outside and play "whack a mole" can strike. However, when bioturbation occurs there are many benefits that these organisms are providing to the soil!
The benefits of bioturbation starts with in the simplest sense soil movement. Soil is moved around in the profile (i.e. 3D space that the soil occupies). With this movement there is transfer of organic matter from the surface to deeper in the profile or laterally to other areas. This incorporation of organic matter helps to improve water holding capacity, soil structure, and nutrient cycling. Earthworms are an example of soil fauna that consume organic matter, move through the soil, and deposit their excrement (i.e. worm castings) throughout the soil, which can improve soil conditions. Earthworms can turnover tons of soil in the course of a year. Over 10-20 years they can completely recycle the top 6 inches of soil.
Other soil fauna burrowing and tunneling through the soil can help to break up soil compaction and allow for improved porosity. The increase in pores allows for better water and oxygen flow through the soil. This improvement is beneficial for plants and the microbial community (e.g. bacteria, fungi, and other oxygen lovers) in the soil. Increases in growth and nutrient cycling can result from this process.
So yes, the unsightly mounds from the larger fauna in the soil can disrupt the pastoral appearance of your yard. However, keep in mind the aforementioned benefits! This process of bioturbation can actually help to improve your soil for better plant growth and soil health. Resulting in sustained productivity in your soil for years to come!
The benefits of bioturbation starts with in the simplest sense soil movement. Soil is moved around in the profile (i.e. 3D space that the soil occupies). With this movement there is transfer of organic matter from the surface to deeper in the profile or laterally to other areas. This incorporation of organic matter helps to improve water holding capacity, soil structure, and nutrient cycling. Earthworms are an example of soil fauna that consume organic matter, move through the soil, and deposit their excrement (i.e. worm castings) throughout the soil, which can improve soil conditions. Earthworms can turnover tons of soil in the course of a year. Over 10-20 years they can completely recycle the top 6 inches of soil.
Earthworm castings improving soil structure by creating "aggregates."
Photo Credit: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/TURF/PESTS/inearthwm.html
Other soil fauna burrowing and tunneling through the soil can help to break up soil compaction and allow for improved porosity. The increase in pores allows for better water and oxygen flow through the soil. This improvement is beneficial for plants and the microbial community (e.g. bacteria, fungi, and other oxygen lovers) in the soil. Increases in growth and nutrient cycling can result from this process.
So yes, the unsightly mounds from the larger fauna in the soil can disrupt the pastoral appearance of your yard. However, keep in mind the aforementioned benefits! This process of bioturbation can actually help to improve your soil for better plant growth and soil health. Resulting in sustained productivity in your soil for years to come!
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