Soil is Alive! 7 Facts about Organisms in Our Soil

It has many names some call it dirt, soil, compost or growing medium. We all know garden soil plays an important role when it comes to the health of your plants. But have you ever wondered what goes on at a "deeper" level? Or at a cellular level? Soil is a living system. It also helps filtrate the water underground from pollutants.

The truth is, your garden soil is teaming with life! Listed here are 7 facts about soil that some people might not be aware of. 

Fact #1 Fungus and Plants Work Together

Did you know that some plants have an intimate relationship with fungus? That’s right! Scientist call this a symbiotic relationship meaning both organisms help provide resources they cannot provide for themselves. An example of this is the interaction between a fungus called Mycorrhizae fungi. This fungus has structures called mycelium that help plant roots obtain the nutrient phosphorus. A very difficult nutrient for plants to uptake. In return, the plants provide the fungus carbohydrates for their survival. Its believed that this interaction can help solve the phosphate shortage problem. We can all get behind that!

Fact #2  They Keep Plants from Becoming Invasive

Did you know that microbes can keep a plant in check? But what happens when a microbe community is not present in the soil? This is a common problem when it comes to invasive plants get introduced into a new habitat. A prime example is the noxious weed GARLIC MUSTARD! It has been discovered that garlic mustard releases chemicals called glucosinolates which kills off the fungus that helps native plants germinate and thrive. Shame on your garlic mustard!

Fact #3 A Natural Anti-Depressant?

Do you struggle with depression? Research has shown that bacteria in soil called Mycobacterium can help ease the symptoms of depression by elevating serotonin levels. The simple task of just getting your hands dirty can help boost your mood. So, take off those gardening gloves and embrace natures Prozac!

Fact # 4 Microbes that Help Provide Nutrients

Some plants help build soil nutrients with the help of bacteria. Legumes or plants from the pea family have a bond with a bacterium called Rhizobia. This bacterium infects the plant through its root hairs and forms nodules. The bacteria take in nitrogen from the air and makes it available to the plant. Not only does it benefit the host plant, but surrounding plants get to share the nitrogen as well. So, plant some legumes if you have trouble with Nitrogen in your soil!

Fact #5 The Numbers Speak for themselves…

The number of microbes in our native soil is astounding. Did you know that there are more microbes in a handful of soil than there are people on the earth? That is more than 7.8 billion organisms!

Fact #6 Nematodes!

Not all nematodes are good for plants but there is an exception. There are beneficial nematodes that help kill pests like grubs, borers, and maggots. These organisms are growing in popularity and are being widely used in the horticulture industry. A nice alternative to using harmful pesticides!

Fact #7 Earthworms are invasive?

There are worms here in Indiana that do not belong here, unfortunately. The worms Lumbricus terrestris, L. rubellus, L. friendi are a few that have been observed disturbing local eco-systems in North America. Biological ecosystems like woodlands and wetlands are affected by these worms. These worms are depleting the rich nutrient content of organic matter in our forests. This effectively is creating an imbalance of nutrients causing a shift in plant establishment along with the animals in the surrounding habitat. Nature truly is in a delicate balance!

Thanks for reading our blog by Indiana Organic Gardeners’ Association. Check back every once in a while or keep up to date on our Facebook page and join our group!

Post By: Nicholas Hardebeck