Photograph by Vanessa Tortolano
LANDSCAPE/GARDENING
What's Going on Down There? A GLIMPSE AT THE SOIL LAYER AND BELOW by Karina Mae What lies below the ground is a complex myriad of networks; communities; exchange systems; and a small constant struggle for space, nutrients, water, and survival. We often think of this as a void with some nonpersonal disregard, almost not really thinking of it at all until we want to move it, use it for our own benefit, or we have a problem with the surface. Once we’ve broken ground, we find roots; small rodents; insects; rocks (cement or debris); nutrients; chemicals, possibly both manmade and plantmade; and 22 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
organic matter, like twigs, leaves, and decaying plant fragments. Not to mention the millions upon millions of bacteria and fungi greasing the wheels and literally feeding this massive metropolis. This system is so intricate that it resembles a tornado if drawn out with arrows circling back on themselves and off in wild directions. Even today, we are still learning new interactions and symbiotic or beneficial relationships.
