Nature is made so that every creature is a part of the ecosystem, and each species has been given a role. However, species that are responsible for keeping in check the quality of soil are the most important as the majority of their lives rely on this. Isopods are one such species that has been performing this role since time immemorial and not in records.
Isopods' role is very vital in keeping the soil's health in check as they break down organic matter in the wild from which the soil grasps the needed nutrients and improve its structure. Despite being small, they are essential for the ecosystem mainly because their activities directly or indirectly benefit soil quality.
They exhibit similar qualities even in a terrarium in captivity. So, if you thought land-dwelling crustaceans were just for show, they are not. They do a lot for the ecosystem that other tiny creatures don't. By chance, if you want to build a collection, look for isopods for sale so you can buy them at a cheap price.
Breaks Down Organic Matter
Be it in the wild or captivity, isopods break down organic matter because it provides food and shelter for them. Their feeding consists of extensive options like decomposing plant material, including wood and fallen leaves that are found in the wild easily. Their feeding itself helps in decomposition process, letting fungi and microbes to play their part and make nutrient-rich humus, which is great for soil fertility.
Enriches The Soil
Isopod activities produce a lot of waste that contains nutrients essential for the soil. When they feed on the organic materials, there is a release of the potassium or phosphorus, which is then consumed by the soil resulting in the better quality. These nutrients further play an essential role in everything that grows in that soil or thrives there.
Improves Soil Structure
You cannot have healthy soil without a perfect balance of organic matter, air pockets, and minerals supporting plant roots. In this case, isopods can be helpful because they burrow and move through the soil, improving the soil structure.
Isopods daily activity helps creating small air pocket in the soil, resulting into better aeration and drainage in the soil. This further allows the soil to provide better nutrients to the plant, which they may have lacked. It is equally great for fungi living in the soil.
Promotes Microbial Activity
Very much like isopods, microbes too break down the organic material present in the soil, improving the quality of the plants and other beings.
Isopods move fungi and bacteria through the soil by eating decomposing plant matter. They swallow the fungal spores and bacteria while eating and distribute them throughout the soil, exceeding the quality and better fertility.
How To Keep Isopods In Captivity?
Owning them as pets has its own share of challenges, and you will first have to build a setup similar to their natural habitat.
Here's how you can do it:
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Isopods thrive the best in environments rich in dead leaves, wood chips, and decomposing plant matter. You must add these items to their enclosure; otherwise, they cannot live comfortably.
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Your isopods need a damp environment to grow and reproduce without feeling threatened or discomfort. Mist the terrarium regularly to create this perfect habitat.
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Your setup is incomplete without a few hiding spots that isopods need to hide and take rest. Add logs, stones, or pieces of bark in the terrarium as they provide both shelter and encourage their natural behavior.
Isopods maybe small creatures, but performs tasks that are crucial for the entire environment. They add to the nutrient cycle and enrich the soil, benefiting the ecosystem.