and the
rhizosphere. One particular example of the role of microfauna can be seen in soil, where they are important in the cycling of nutrients in
ecosystems. The ecological functions of the
rhizosphere can be influenced by microfauna, specifically by nematodes and protozoa, which are abundant in soil. For instance, the
carbon cycling within the soil can be affected by nematodes who will feed on the roots of plants, impacting the organic carbon in the soil. Similarly, soil protozoa are able to release
phosphorus and
nitrogen into the soil and higher
trophic levels by dissolving the organic material and nutrients available. Soil micro-fauna can also impact
microorganisms within the rhizosphere by affecting their diversity and accelerating microorganism turnover. This happens because of the microfauna's selective grazing and their ability to influence the resources within the soil. For example, protozoa can help maintain the quality of the soil by grazing on soil bacteria. Through their grazing, the protozoa can help maintain populations of bacteria, allowing the bacteria to more efficiently decompose dead organic material which will improve the
fertility of the soil. Soil microfauna are capable of digesting just about any organic substance and some inorganic substances. These organisms are often essential links in the food chain between primary producers and larger species. For example,
zooplankton are widespread microscopic animals and protists that feed on algae and detritus in the ocean, such as
foraminifera. Microfauna also aid in digestion and other processes in larger organisms. ==Phyla==