Environmental analysis news: Weight of organisms in UK soil 'has doubled'

The number of invertebrates living in British soil has almost doubled in the last decade, it has been revealed.

Research carried out by the UK's Centre for Ecology and Hydrology found that the weight of organisms in the earth has risen by 47 per cent, the Guardian reports.

Professor Bridget Emmett, who led the study, said the increase could be down to a number of factors, including an increase in temperature and annual rainfall.

"The question is whether we have lost resilience in the soil. Is diversity important for the soil to bounce back after multiple pressures?" she commented.

Scientists analysed 2,600 different soil samples from across England, Scotland and Wales.

Meanwhile, it was reported last week that the poor quality of soil in China could prompt a food crisis in the future.

Han Jun, a rural policy expert at the Development Research Centre, said soil deterioration is a major issue facing the country.