How does the soil ecosphere affect plants?
Soil organisms create a living, dynamic system that must be understood and managed properly for optimal plant growth. Understanding soil health requires knowing what organisms occur, which ones are working, how many are present, and whether they are the right kinds for the desired plants. While some soil microorganisms are pathogens that cause disease in plants, many are actually beneficial to the plants they associate with. Plants depend on these beneficial soil organisms to protect them from pathogens, to help them obtain nutrients from the soil, and to break down toxic compounds that could inhibit growth. How can the soil ecosphere be assessed? Soil ecologists have developed methods to quickly assess the numbers, types and activity of each important group in the soil ecosphere. They are researching the effects of different methods of management and adding microorganisms, with the goal of improving soil health. Soil ecosphere management is important There’s more to soil health than a
