Soil respiration
Soil Respiration is when the little living things in the dirt breathe out carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. These living things are called microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, and they live in the soil.
You know how you breathe in air and breathe out carbon dioxide? Well, microorganisms in the soil do the same thing, but instead of lungs, they use their whole body to take in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. This process is called respiration.
When microorganisms in the soil break down dead plants and animal matter, they release carbon dioxide into the air. This is called organic matter decomposition, and it's an important part of the natural process of soil health.
The amount of CO2 released by soil respiration depends on things like temperature, moisture levels, and the amount of organic matter in the soil. In general, warmer and wetter soils have higher rates of respiration, and soils with more organic matter have higher rates too.
Overall, soil respiration is a natural process that happens all around us, and it helps keep our planet healthy.
You know how you breathe in air and breathe out carbon dioxide? Well, microorganisms in the soil do the same thing, but instead of lungs, they use their whole body to take in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. This process is called respiration.
When microorganisms in the soil break down dead plants and animal matter, they release carbon dioxide into the air. This is called organic matter decomposition, and it's an important part of the natural process of soil health.
The amount of CO2 released by soil respiration depends on things like temperature, moisture levels, and the amount of organic matter in the soil. In general, warmer and wetter soils have higher rates of respiration, and soils with more organic matter have higher rates too.
Overall, soil respiration is a natural process that happens all around us, and it helps keep our planet healthy.