June 10, 2016
Earthworm and microbial activity in the soil binds soil particles together with their excrement allowing air pockets to form which allows water to flow to the roots. Their nutrients don't wash out of the ground like chemical fertilizers because they are bound, but are released to the plants roots on demand. A tilthy soil has so much microbial activity that they produce carbon dioxide that needs to get flushed out of the ground by watering..
As the water recedes oxygen is drawn in that plant roots need..
June 10, 2016
The dark , rich, loamy soil of a forest is accomplished over time by the addition of leaves, twigs and pine needles to the top of the ground where they slowly break down and develop a vast web of microrizal fungi that attach themselves to the plant roots and extend their reach for nutrients for miles. Once you get microrizal fungi growing in your garden you will want to stop rototilling so you don't break them up..
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