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The Relationship between Soil Structure and Insect Biodiversity

Abstract

This literature review examines how soil structure influences insect biodiversity, particularly in urban environments. Soil provides essential habitats for insects, while insects also support soil health through aeration, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. However, urbanization disrupts these interactions by causing soil compaction, reducing aeration, and depleting organic matter, leading to insect biodiversity loss.Key urban factors such as impervious surfaces, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and the urban heat island effect degrade soil conditions. This paper involved close analysis of these factors and case studies along urbanization gradients to reveal declining insect diversity and a shift toward pest-dominated ecosystems. This paper hopes to highlight soil-insect interdependence and the importance of their conservation in urban design.