More than half of Earth’s species live in the soil, study finds

Soil estimated to be home to 90% of world's fungi, 85% of plants and more than 50% of bacteria, making it the world's most species-rich habitat

More than half of all species live in the soil, according to a study that has found it is the single most species-rich habitat on Earth.

Soil was known to hold a wealth of life, but this new figure doubles what scientists estimated in 2006, when they suggested 25% of life was soil-based.