Understanding The Soil Food Web
The Soil Food Web refers to the network of creatures, including insects, earthworms and microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi and nematodes, that inhabit and sustain the living soil beneath our feet. Together, these organisms break down organic matter and release nutrients in plant available forms in exchange for “exudates” (carbohydrates, simple sugars, and proteins) produced by plants. A healthy Soil Food Web can provide plants with all the nutrients they need plus added benefits such as improved soil structure and water-holding capacity resulting in protection from ecological threats such as drought and flooding.
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