Question

what contributes to the nature of soil as an ecosystem? the lack of air and water in the soil the absence of living organisms combination of biotic and abiotic factors

Explanation:

An ecosystem is composed of both biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (non - living components like air, water, minerals) factors. Soil as an ecosystem has living organisms such as earthworms, bacteria, fungi etc. (biotic) and also contains air, water, organic matter, minerals etc. (abiotic). The lack of air and water (first option) would not contribute to it being an ecosystem as these are essential abiotic components. The absence of living organisms (second option) also goes against the definition of an ecosystem which requires biotic elements.

Answer:

combination of biotic and abiotic factors