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Methods unique to the biodynamic approach include its treatment of animals, crops, and soil as a single system, an emphasis from its beginnings on local production and distribution systems, its use of traditional and development of new local breeds and varieties. Some methods use an astrological sowing and planting calendar. [7]
Soil biology is the study of microbial and faunal activity and ecology in soil. Soil life, soil biota, soil fauna, or edaphon is a collective term that encompasses all organisms that spend a significant portion of their life cycle within a soil profile, or at the soil-litter interface.
Environmental sampling techniques are used in biology, ecology and conservation as part of scientific studies to learn about the flora and fauna of a particular area and establish a habitat's biodiversity, the abundance of species and the conditions in which these species live amongst other information. [1]
Tilling the soil, or tillage, is the breaking of soil, such as with a plough or harrow, to prepare the soil for new seeds. Tillage systems vary in intensity and disturbance. Conventional tillage is the most intense tillage system and disturbs the deepest level of soils. At least 30% of plant residue remains on the soil surface in conservation ...
In fact, the soil sample is placed on a mesh sieve that will allow the soil animals to pass but should retain most of the soil particles. A Berlese funnel or Berlese trap is a device used to extract desiccation-intolerant invertebrates from samples of soil or leaf litter. It works by creating a desiccation gradient over the sample such that ...
Severe soil compaction may cause reduced microbial biomass. [30] Soil compaction may not influence the quantity, but the distribution of macro fauna that is vital for soil structure including earthworms due to reduction in large pores. [9] [31] All these factors affect plant growth negatively, and thus lead to reduced crop yields in most cases ...
In a concentrated animal feeding operation it is normal for a large number of animals to continuously occupy a small area. By comparison, with managed grazing, the animals are able to live in a more natural environment. The animals experience less disease and fewer foot ailments, depending on the rotational system being used.
Soil structure is essential to soil health and fertility; soil structure decline has a direct effect on soil and surface food chain and biodiversity as a consequence. Continued crop cultivation eventually results in significant changes within the soil, such as its nutrient status, pH balance, organic matter content, and physical characteristics ...