In the previous article we explored how phosphorus can become trapped in the soil. Energy remains present, but it no longer moves freely through the biological system.

Another form of imbalance occurs when the soil itself begins to lose access to oxygen.

Healthy soil breathes.

Air moves through pore spaces.
Roots respire.
Microbes carry out the reactions that cycle nutrients and sustain life.

But when soil structure collapses or water fills the pore spaces for too long, oxygen becomes limited.

When soil stops breathing, chemistry begins to change.

Oxygen and Living Soil

Oxygen is essential to many biological processes in soil.

Roots use oxygen to respire and release energy for growth.
Microbes rely on oxygen to decompose organic matter and cycle nutrients.

Many of the transformations that move nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon through soil depend on oxygen being present.

When oxygen flows freely, biology governs the pace of...