How RA enriches the soil

RA focuses on improving the health of the soil. By not tilling it, adding lots of organic matter, and other regenerative practices, large populations of soil organisms can flourish, naturally improving soil structure and fertility.

Shredder organisms such as earthworms, insects, and arthropods break up organic matter into small pieces. Fungi and bacteria decompose it, transforming it into nutrients that plants can use.

These are some of the critical soil organisms.

Arthropods

Includes crustaceans such as woodlice/ slaters, spiders, millipedes, and other insects which process organic matter.

Nematodes

Microscopic worms that feed on plants, algae, bacteria, fungi, and other nematodes. Beneficial nematodes help to prevent disease by balancing levels of bacteria and fungi in soil. They also release nutrients through the soil in plant-available forms.

Fungi

Delicate strands of fungal hyphae (known collectively as mycorrhizal fungi) are dormant until they sense plant roots getting close. This stimulates their growth, and they extend out into tiny soil pores and cracks where plant roots can't reach.

In healthy soil, this can result in a 10-fold increase in a plant's effective root surface area, which can double or triple its nutrient uptake.

Hyphae on the roots of one plant connect with other hyphae on nearby plants, helping them share nutrients, and boosting their growth.

They also significantly affect soil structure, increasing air and water infiltration, which improves plant growth. It helps prevent disease as well-aerated soil is less affected by pathogens, which prefer low oxygen environments.

Bacteria

Microscopic single-celled organisms. Most decompose simple carbon compounds, such as root exudates and fresh plant litter, converting it into forms useful to other soil organisms.

They also retain nutrients such as nitrogen in their cells, preventing its loss from the rooting zone.

Bacteria in soil include:

■ mutualists that work with plants (eg to fix nitrogen);

■ lithotrophs that obtain energy from nitrogen, sulphur, iron, or hydrogen compounds, and help with nitrogen cycling and the degradation of pollutants.

Protozoa

Single-celled organisms that feed mostly on bacteria, and other protozoa, soluble organic matter, and sometimes fungi. As they eat, they release excess nitrogen which is used by plants and other organisms in the soil.