When earthworms invade a forest, they rapidly change the soil layers found in the forest and that has big implications for forest plants and animals. Over years, soils form layers (called horizons) from top to bottom that each have different characteristics and functions in the ecosystem. The process of soil genesis happens the fastest at the surface where wind, rain and changes in temperature help the process along, and as water moves down through the developing soil, it carries with it a wide range of dissolved molecules that lead to the development of deeper soils. Soil begins to form when these small pieces of weathered rock are colonized by soil bacteria and fungi which further weather the soil particles. Weathering includes both the physical and chemical breakdown of rock by wind and water which results in smaller and smaller pieces which we know as sand, silt and clay. The process of soil formation, or soil genesis, starts with the weathering of rock. As this mineral soil is mixed with organic matter, bacteria, fungi and other soil organisms, it develops into a vibrant and very dynamic ecosystem with thousands (some say billions!) of different organisms. All the mineral soil on earth today ultimately came from rocks created by ancient geologic forces. Soil is a much more complex living thing than most people realize.
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