Some researchers have defined edaphic fauna as a “super organism” that assumes a crucial
significance due to the chemico-physical and biological processes that are rooted in the soil.
Soil biota play an essential role in soil functions as they are involved in processes such as the
decomposition of organic matter, the formation of humus and the nutrient cycling of many
elements (nitrogen, sulphur, carbon). Moreover, edaphic fauna affect the porosity and
aeration of, as well as the infiltration and distribution of organic matter within soil horizons.
The ecosystem services provided by soil fauna are one of the most powerful arguments for
the conservation of edaphic biodiversity. Decomposition of organic matter by soil organisms
is crucial for the functioning of an ecosystem because of its substantial role in providing
ecosystem services for plant growth and primary productivity