Deeper taxonomic knowledge for better understanding soil biodiversity and its patterns

Abstract

Soil remains among one of the least explored ecosystems on this planed in terms of biodiversity. Though overall, soil is considered to host approximately two thirds of terrestrial taxa, the actual numbers of species are far from being comprehensive and accurate (FAO, 2020). Even with the exploding integration of molecular approaches into the modern taxonomic routine, lists of belowground species grow every year. With this our understanding of the functional complexity and redundancy of soil food webs also increases. Thus, excellence in taxonomic knowledge contributes to better understanding our soil and their true value.

With this respect Soil Organisms Journal is honored to present this special issue, which hosted soil animal taxonomy-related contributions presented at XIX International Colloquium on Soil Zoology (ICSZ) and the XVI International Colloquium of Apterygota (ICA) in 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa - one of the world’s most picturesque cities, guarded over by Table Mountain and bordered by two oceans (Fig. 1). Discussion at both events centered around soil biodiversity and its functions across mountains and plains in agricultural and pristine soils at the face of the Global Change. The special emphasis was given to the increasing need in the deeper taxonomic knowledge of soil fauna and relevant conservation measures to keep our soils full of life and sustainable.