Ecosystem engineers include termites, ants and earthworms, whose bioturbating activities produce structures that can last long periods of time (outlasting the organisms that produced them) and affect soil organic matter dynamics and soil physical processes. Litter transformers include many macro- and micro-arthropods, enchytraeids and other detritus feeders that stimulate the breakdown and decomposition of surface litter and organic matter, producing small, primarily organic fecal pellets. Phytophages and parasites include all organisms that feed upon or destroy plant parts, both above and below-ground. The micropredators are primarily microfauna such as nematodes and protozoa that do not produce any physical structures and survive by predation on microflora and other organisms, thus stimulating mineralization of organic matter and plant nutrient availability. At the lowest level, the microflora act upon organic matter and nutrient cycles, root and rhizosphere processes and plant production (with both positive and negative effects).

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