Soil Microbiome: Science of Garden Health

Life Beneath Your Feet

A single teaspoon of healthy garden soil contains billions of microorganisms — more than the human population on Earth. This community of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes forms a complex food web that drives nutrient cycling and soil structure.

The Soil Food Web

• Bacteria: Decompose simple sugars and organic matter. Some fix atmospheric nitrogen (Rhizobium in legume root nodules).
• Fungi: Break down tough materials (lignin, cellulose). Form mycorrhizal partnerships with roots.
• Protozoa: Graze on bacteria, releasing plant-available nitrogen as ammonium.
• Nematodes: Some feed on bacteria (beneficial), others parasitize roots (harmful). Balance matters.

Feeding the Microbiome

Add diverse organic matter — compost, cover crops, mulch. Different microbes thrive on different food sources. Monoculture of inputs leads to a simplified, less resilient community.

What Destroys Soil Life

Excessive tillage, synthetic fertilizers (salt toxicity), fungicides, and prolonged bare soil all harm the microbiome. Compaction removes the oxygen that aerobic microbes require.

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