Organisms and microorganisms that play an important role in the soil ecosystem as well as the nutrients uptake of plants. From fungi, bacteria to protozoa and nematodes. Along with arthropods such as soil mite, springtail and isopod to larger organisms like earthworms, collectively known as the 'soil food web'
Fungi and Bacteria
The soil food web works continuously on the decomposition of organic matter which is a natural process of creating humus that happens all the time. This puts a major decomposer like fungi and bacteria as a small fertilizer bag in the soil, as most of the nutrients they consume from organic matter and plant root exudate are stored in their bodies. Furthermore, the healthy population of fungi and bacteria also helps keep the pathogens away as well.
What is exudate?
Exudate is a form of fluids containing mainly carbohydrates, proteins and sugar, secreted by a plant in the root zone, attracting microorganisms in the soil food web which is the foundation of a relationship between plants and microbes in the rhizosphere.
Fungi and bacteria are the first members to be attracted to exudate and while they are feeding and propagating, their presence also attracts another group of microorganisms, protozoa and nematodes.
Protozoa and Nematodes
Nematodes are major players in the breakdown of organic matter and controlling the balance of soil food web population, as they are not only attracted to the plant root exudate but to fungi and bacteria as well. Nematodes and protozoa consume fungi and bacteria and excreted their waste in plants available form in the rhizosphere, the area for roots nutrient absorption. Some species of nematodes are even more beneficial like Steinernema Siamkayai as they are highly effective in pest protection from their abilities to destroy the larvae of fungus gnat. In addition, nematodes are also likened as a fertilizer spreader as fungi and bacteria can grab on them and travel further in the soil.
Arthropods
Exoskeleton organisms in the soil food web, such as soil mites, springtails and isopods, specialize in shredding organic matter into smaller pieces to facilitate the smooth decomposition by fungi and bacteria. Arthropods are like fertilizer shredders who travel around the topsoil with their excellent decomposing abilities and excreting nutrients in plant available form continuously. In addition, ingestion of arthropods also controls the population of protozoa, nematodes as well as bacteria and fungi.
Earthworms
An organic growing best friend, with the ability to decompose massive amounts of organic matter in a short time and excrete a nutrient-rich worm casting that plants can easily absorb. Their traveling and digging also help keep soil aerates and nourish with the excellent loamy structure.
Conclusion
Healthy soil food web not only means that plants can flourish and thrive naturally but will also help with disease resistance by keeping the pathogens in check or even protecting the plants from some pests. The soil food web is considered to be one of the key factors in organic growing.
