Soil is actually an incredibly complex ecosystem, with billions of organisms found in a single teaspoonful. These organisms range from fungi and bacteria to earthworms, nematodes, and insects.

Good soil health is critical for plants to survive and thrive, so the survival of humans indirectly rests on the health of the soil.

This is so important that there are government programs working today to improve soil health. A number of these projects are specialized for urban areas and include funding to study heavy metal toxicity in the ground in New York.

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Some of the many benefits of good soil health include:

Improved moisture retention. Reduced soil erosion. Improved nutrient absorption. Protection against pathogens and insects.

Soil that is composed of aggregates (smaller fragments) will be less likely than individual particles to be blown away by the wind or taken up by water – both major causes of soil erosion.

Ideally, these aggregates stick together, and fungi can make this happen. They do so by secreting a sticky gel that glues the organic particles and the minerals together, helping to form humus. In addition, their hyphae thread through the small particles.

The fine roots of plants also help aggregates form by growing through the smaller fragments and helping them stick together.

A major advantage of humus is that it holds onto nutrients as water travels through the soil. This benefits both plants and the environment.

Adding soil inoculants like mycorrhizae will help ensure that your plants grow in

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