Biotic properties of forest soil are the linkages connecting forest vegetation with an inert rooting medium to create a dynamic, functioning ecosystem. But despite the significance of these properties, managers have little awareness of the biotic world beneath their feet. Much of our working knowledge of soil biology seems anchored in myth and misunderstanding. To correct this, a conference sponsored by the California Forest Soils Council was held February 23-24, 1996, in Sacramento, California. These peer-reviewed papers of practical significance to forest managers comprise the updated proceedings of that conference. They describe the most important features of soil invertebrates and microbiota-including those affecting soil fertility and those with food value for both wildlife and humans. Just as importantly, they discuss how such organisms respond to management. Guidelines are given to managers for sustaining soil health and productive forests.