Lexikon

there are 16 elements that are essential nutrients for plant growth. Plants can only take those nutrients from soils if they are easily available or in specific chemical forms. Chemical, physical and biological processes contribute to the availability of these nutrients in soils. In this context, processes carried out by soil biota are important for the maintenance of crop production and good crop yields. They also contribute to plant nutrition in areas where chemical fertilizers cannot be applied. Below are some examples of how the soil biota can contribute to the formation of nutrient pools and the availability of nutrients.

Source: EUROPEAN ATLAS OF SOIL BIODIVERSITY, JRC, European Comission, 2010