Measurement

The process which is carried out to determine the value of something.

  Mesobiota

Another classification name for Mesofauna.

  Mesofauna

Animals between 0.1 and 2mm in body size diameter. These include small Arthropods such as mites. They live in soil pores and feed on microflora, microfauna and other larger soil dwelling organisms. This is an alternative name for Mesobiota.

  Mesophyll

The region between the upper and lower epidermis on a leaf, which is divided into the palisade mesophyll upper layer of cells, which includes the chlorenchyma just below the surface of the epidermis, and beneath this the lower spongy mesophyll layer for gas exchange and food storage.

  Meteorological Drought

An extended period of dry weather without any significant rainfall. A meteorological drought is usually a term applied to such a period of weather that is greater than 14 days in duration.

  Microbiota

An ecological community of soil microorganisms.

  Microclimate

A set of localised atmospheric conditions, especially relating to temperature, sun hours and/or rainfall-relative humidity, for a small location, which differ from the general geographical surrounding area.

  Microfauna

Microscopic soil animals less than 0.1mm in body size diameter. They will typically live in soil water films, especially adjacent to plant roots, and feed on microflora, other macrofauna and also some larger soil dwelling animals. Examples include most nematodes and protozoa.

  Microflora

Microscopic soil organisms divided into four groups, with a body width of less than 0.1mm diameter: Actinomycetes; Algae; Bacteria; and Fungi. These organisms are good at decomposing organic matter and contributing to the health of a soil.

  Mid-rib

The central prominent vein within some grass leaves, e.g. Perennial Ryegrass.