- Plant material is organic in nature and comes from falling leaves, grass that is cut and plants that have died. Branches that have fallen in the forest are quickly decomposed by living organisms that turn it into rich humus.
- Roots of plants transfer enzymes to the soil that feed and benefit the soil organisms. Roots also utilize the nutrients coming from decomposing plant material to feed the plant. Roots act as soil stabilizers and prevent soil from blowing away.
- Microorganisms such as protozoa, fungi and actinomycetes all break down dead plant components, and it will then become crumbly, supply rich nutrients to feed the plants and hold moisture.
- Insects and animals that live in the soil are providing organic materials in the form of poop. They function as mini-excavators allowing the organic constituents of soils to become mixed and filled with oxygen. They aid in the decomposition process. A few of them are the earthworms, dung beetles, springtails, mites, crickets and moles.