Macro-organisms are only a small part of a soil’s make up, but they are important for healthy plants and nutrient-rich soil.
In gardening, macro-organisms are the animals, mostly invertebrate, that live in the soil, and which are generally visible to the naked eye. Many benefit the soil by helping to break down minerals, soil particles and nutrients. They also add other elements to the soil: egg casings, digested soil, digested plant and animal (some prey on others) materials. Since their life cycles are short, when they die, their bodies also add nutrients to the soil. These additional elements break down quickly in the soil, adding to the overall richness of the soil.
Beneficial macro-organisms include earthworms, many species of nematodes, and other beneficial insects.
Destructive macro-organisms include larvae of some insect species.
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