In order to maintain soil fertility, certain soil organisms are essential. Those are the beneficial organisms and their presence in the soil is a must in order to keep our garden soil in best condition. Beneficial bacteria and fungi prefer well-aerated and acidic soils but will generally tolerate a wide pH. Some fungi, for example mycorrhizae - are able to live symbiotically with living plants, creating a relationship that is beneficial to both, helping plants roots by improving the take-up of nutrients from the soil.
Small soil animals, such as mites, play a vital part for our garden soil by breaking down the organic matter. Microscopic worms and nematodes (eelworms) help to control pests - although some are themselves pests.
Larger soil animals, specially earthworms, improve soil structure when feeding and burrowing. The passage of soil through an earthworm’s body binds soil particles into crumbs, increasing aeration and improving drainage, a necessity for beneficial bacteria and fungi.
We will know that our soil is in a healthy condition as long as it contains a teeming community of earthworms and other organisms.
Some beneficial organisms that we are going to see in our garden soil are: devil’s coach-horse beetle, ground beetles, earthworms, centipedes.
