Millions of animals live in the soil. One square metre of fertile soil contains over 1000 million animals. Many of them are too tiny to see with the naked eye. Fungi and bacteria break down plant and animal remains, releasing minerals which are then absorbed by plant roots. These tiny living things, or microorganisms, also affect the way that soil looks and feels, how wet or dry it is, and the amount of water it has. Earthworms tunnel through the soil, letting at in, helping water to drain through, and mixing the different layers. Earthworms can move 10 tonnes of soil per hectare per year. Ants, beetles, centipedes, millipedes and spiders hunt in the soil, and larger animals like foxes, rabbits and mice make their burrows there.

There are many different types of animals that live in the soil. It helps grow food, fibre, and fuel. However, none of these processes can truly be carried out without the help of animals. For example, gophers, turtles, burrowing animals, and insects all live in the soil. Soil condition is very important to animals for many reasons.

These larger animals depend on soil for protection. The soil protects them from weather and predators. One special animal that is commonly found in the soil is earthworms. Earthworms are “nature’s plough”, active in turning, mixing, and aerating the soil.