How Organic Matter Makes Soil Better to Help Plants Grow

Amoeba

They live in the top of the soil because they need oxygen. They eat bacteria, and recycle the nutrients they don’t need back into the soil.

 

Bacteria

Bacteria helps the soil hold onto water.

 

Moles

They dig tunnels under the soil, churning up the soil and letting in air.

 

Night Crawler

Worms burrow through the soil, eating it as they go. When it comes out the other end as castings, it has extra bacteria in it, which is good for the soil and the plants that need it.

 

Root Fungus

Root fungus grows into the cells of the roots of a plant. Then it reaches out from the root into the soil to bring in more water and nutrients. It also can connect plants together so that plants can share nutrients.