The 'Dirt' On Soil  May 30, 2014  Credit NRCS Soil Health via
flickr Creative Commons  This time of year finds a lot of people
working in their gardens. Good gardeners pay attention to their
soil.Just like above ground, there’s a diverse world of wildlife
below ground competing for space, nutrients, and performing
roles that support life on Earth.  Microscopic bacteria species
by the millions; root fungi that deliver nutrients to
plants; worms, ants and other insects aerating the soil and
adding nutrients through their droppings and—post mortem—as
their bodies decay. Minerals laid down long ago are constantly
breaking down through weather and erosion.  Some gardeners don’t
roto-till their soil to avoid upsetting that unseen world and
the nutrients it delivers. The more nutrients in garden soil,
the more nutrients in the food it produces. Gardeners take care
where to walk to avoid compacting their soil. Mimicking nature,
they add a top dressing of mulch to retain moisture. In the
natural world, a layer of deca