Living soil is soil treated as a functioning biological ecosystem, rather than simply an inert material that holds plant roots and receives fertiliser.

In simple terms, it contains a community of living organisms—especially bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, nematodes and other soil animals—that interact with one another, plant roots, organic matter, water and minerals. These organisms decompose organic material and transform nutrients into different chemical forms, helping regulate nutrient availability, carbon cycling and soil structure. 

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