Health soil, health plants.
Soil is so much more than "dirt" – soil is alive! Every teaspoon of soil is home to billions of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and more – as well as larger organisms like insects and earthworms. All of these organisms have a role to play in the soil ecosystem.
Bacteria and fungi, for example, break down dead plant and animal tissue, improving soil quality and providing essential nutrients for plants. Larger organisms, such as worms and insects, shred and chew organic material into smaller bits that bacteria and fungi can easily access, and their burrows create pathways for air and water to reach plant roots. Some organisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi, form special partnerships with plants and bring hard-to-reach nutrients directly to plant roots.
A healthy soil ecosystem provides plants with easy access to air, water, and nutrients. Here are six tips for achieving optimum soil health in your garden, (Sawyer. A, 2017).
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