What are two main ways in which soil organisms contribute to soil formation?
[1] One main way is by maintaining proper nutrient levels in soil. For example, soil organisms decompose organic debris, from other organisms that are dead and decaying. There are 16-17 nutrients that healthy soil and plants need. Organic debris meets the carbon nutrient need. Soil organisms also break down toxic residues from the ‘cides [pest, nematode, mite, herb, etc] and from soil drenches. So toxins don’t stay around to make the below-ground environment inhospitable. And soil organisms make nutrients available that wouldn’t otherwise be available. Nitrogen is our most abundant element. But it must be soluble to be taken up by plants. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and nematodes process nitrogen so it can be taken in by plants. Bacteria-feeding nematodes and protozoa then feed on, and excrete, the bacteria. What the bacteria have eaten thereby also becomes available, to contribute to soil nutrient levels. [2] Another main way is by making air and water passageways in soil. Soil needs air
