Answer: The most microbial activity is in the rhizosphere (area of soil immediately around plant roots) where plant root exudates provide nutrients for the microbes and they, in turn, supply nutrients from the soil the plant roots. Soil type and soil pH are more likely to affect availability of important macro and micro elements. Soil pH can be adjusted using good compost where the microbes will then function to supply nutrients in plant available form. An active and fully functioning soil food web is not present in poor soil so improving the soil with compost and natural organic matter will allow the soil food web to function effectively and provide nutrients needed by the plants resulting in healthy and productive plants producing nutritious crops whether it is good quality grass for stock or tasty vegetables.
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