A Short Review of the Diversity, Ecological importance and Factors affecting the Mesofauna Community dynamics in Soil Ecosystem

Soil is one of the most important natural resources, covering a large portion of the Earth’s crust. Soil mesofauna are intermediate-sized organisms, typically ranging from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, that inhabit soil and leaf litter and are visible to the naked eye. These include mites, springtails (Collembola), nematodes, and small arthropods, all of which play a vital role in terrestrial ecosystem functioning. Soil mesofauna contribute significantly to the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and soil structure formation. By feeding on microorganisms, organic materials, and other soil fauna, they influence microbial activity and promote the breakdown of plant residues, thereby enhancing soil fertility. Moreover, their burrowing activity improves soil aeration and water infiltration. Understanding the biodiversity, community structure, and functional roles of soil mesofauna is essential for assessing soil health and sustainability in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. Soil contaminants such as pesticides can profoundly affect soil mesofauna, leading to cascading impacts on essential ecosystem services such as soil fertility and plant growth. Numerous studies have shown that pesticide-treated soils experience significant declines in mesofauna populations, accompanied by disruptions in species composition and community structure. Pesticide exposure alters soil physicochemical properties and leaves toxic residues that impair the survival and activity of these vital organisms, potentially leading to long-term soil degradation and reduced ecosystem resilience. The present review emphasizes the implementation of eco-friendly pest management strategies, monitoring soil biodiversity, and prioritizing soil health as crucial steps toward maintaining the productivity and sustainability of soil and agroecosystems.