Soil in which you grow plants is vital to a thriving plant. Replacing the soil might seem to be the remedy for compacted soil, lack of topsoil, or contaminated soil. In fact, for plants to thrive, they need the network of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and tiny animals that help supply the plants with nutrients. This network builds from adding organic matter to the soil over years.
Dr. Rhoda Burrows, South Dakota State University Extension Horticulturist, shares about the relationship between soil and plant growth. See Dr. Burrow’s article to better understand parts of the soil we don’t see above ground. It is found at the “IGrow South Dakota State University” website. Here is the link to her article:
http://igrow.org/gardens/gardening/soil-its-not-just-dirt
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