Soil ecosystem engineers, such as earthworms and termites, play a crucial role in shaping soil structure and function. These invertebrates, which ingest and manipulate organic and mineral materials, form long-lasting microstructures and are considered keystone species in terrestrial ecosystems. Their activities influence the diversity and activity of subordinate trophic levels, including litter transformers, micropredators, and microflora involved in nutrient cycling. The physical properties of soils, such as structural heterogeneity, stability, organic matter distribution, and water infiltration, are closely linked to the activity and diversity of these engineers. Global changes, including elevated CO₂ levels, climate change, and land use intensification, are expected to affect the abundance and diversity of soil engineers. Warmer temperatures may expand the latitudinal distribution of termites and favor humivorous termites and endogeic earthworms. However, in some regions, these changes may not occur due to the absence of local representatives of these groups. Land use intensification, particularly physical disturbance of forests, is a more immediate concern as it can disrupt the balance of functional groups within engineer communities. Exotic earthworm species may also colonize disturbed land, negatively impacting soil structure. A decrease in the abundance of engineers can reduce soil carbon stocks and lead to physical degradation of soil. Earthworm inoculation has been proposed as a method for restoring degraded land, both ecologically and economically. The diversity and abundance of engineer communities are influenced by factors such as soil type, vegetation composition, and climate. The role of engineers in soil processes is critical, as they contribute to nutrient cycling, soil structure formation, and the maintenance of soil fertility. Understanding the interactions between engineers and other soil organisms is essential for predicting the impacts of global change on soil function and ecosystem health.Soil ecosystem engineers, such as earthworms and termites, play a crucial role in shaping soil structure and function. These invertebrates, which ingest and manipulate organic and mineral materials, form long-lasting microstructures and are considered keystone species in terrestrial ecosystems. Their activities influence the diversity and activity of subordinate trophic levels, including litter transformers, micropredators, and microflora involved in nutrient cycling. The physical properties of soils, such as structural heterogeneity, stability, organic matter distribution, and water infiltration, are closely linked to the activity and diversity of these engineers. Global changes, including elevated CO₂ levels, climate change, and land use intensification, are expected to affect the abundance and diversity of soil engineers. Warmer temperatures may expand the latitudinal distribution of termites and favor humivorous termites and endogeic earthworms. However, in some regions, these changes may not occur due to the absence of local representatives of these groups. Land use intensification, particularly physical disturbance of forests, is a more immediate concern as it can disrupt the balance of functional groups within engineer communities. Exotic earthworm species may also colonize disturbed land, negatively impacting soil structure. A decrease in the abundance of engineers can reduce soil carbon stocks and lead to physical degradation of soil. Earthworm inoculation has been proposed as a method for restoring degraded land, both ecologically and economically. The diversity and abundance of engineer communities are influenced by factors such as soil type, vegetation composition, and climate. The role of engineers in soil processes is critical, as they contribute to nutrient cycling, soil structure formation, and the maintenance of soil fertility. Understanding the interactions between engineers and other soil organisms is essential for predicting the impacts of global change on soil function and ecosystem health.