6. Glossary

biodiversity

All natural environments and life forms (plants, animals, human beings, fungi, bacteria, viruses, etc.) and the relationships and interactions between living organisms themselves and their living environments.

Maximum water capacity (MWC)

Difference in weight of a sample between its dry state and its state after 24 h in water at saturation, expressed as a percentage of volume.

cultivation complex

All the layers explored by roots, i.e. substrate and drainage layer when the latter is made up of mineral aggregates.

drainage

Layer composed of porous materials to retain and evacuate excess water and prevent root asphyxiation.

ecosystem

Soil-flora-fauna association...