Organic matter added to the soil includes fallen leaves, dead plants and animals, droppings of animals, etc.

All kinds of soil organisms are breaking down organic matter and passing energy among levels of the soil food web. The energy of the sun is constantly added to the system by photosynthesis. Therefore, with all the nutrients captured by soil organisms, the fertility of the soil is getting better and better.

Soil organisms not only feed on dead organic materials, they also have a relationship with living plant roots. Some plants form association with bacteria, others, fungi. Sugar produced by the plants gets released into soil to feed the organisms. In turn, the organisms provide the plants with nitrogen, minerals and other nutrients.

The relationship between plants and soil organisms are very complex. But the end result is humus, the final residue of the organic materials.

Although humus is no longer the food source for soil organisms, it helps with water and nutrient retention and makes them more available to plants.

Some soil organisms also help to increase the pore sizes between soil particles, which increases air and water flow, and reduces soil erosion.

To keep soil organism diversity is the key to keep your plants healthy.

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