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Letter BGeology glossary

Bioturbation

Bioturbation refers to the reworking of soils and sediments by living organisms, such as burrowing animals, worms, and roots. This process alters the texture, structure, and composition of sediments, playing a vital role in the formation of soil profiles and the cycling of nutrients. Bioturbation is an essential concept in sedimentology, paleontology, and soil science.

Earthworms crawling through rich garden soil (Bioturbation word definition)
Fig. 1 Earthworms crawling through rich garden soil (Bioturbation word definition)

Source Kristensen, E., & Kostka, J. E. (2005). “Macrofaunal Burrows and Irrigation in Marine Sediment: Microbiological and Biogeochemical Interactions.” In: Interactions Between Macro- and Microorganisms in Marine Sediments, American Geophysical Union.

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