Soil food webs grow more varied in farmland and tropics, global analysis reveals
Soils are home to some of the most diverse animal communities on Earth. These animals—including nematodes, springtails, mites, earthworms, spiders and other arthropods—drive decomposition, regulate microbial communities and contribute to nutrient cycling. However, little is known about how these animals' trophic diversity—meaning the variety of feeding activities—is affected by land use and climate.