We are not talking about the toads that hop around here. We are talking about the little creatures in the soil that help drive the composting process. Healthy soil contains nematodes. Chemical fertilizer & pesticide kills nematodes. You can probably see where this is going. Here are some of the reasons you want nematodes supporting a natural composting process in your fields or gardens to keep your soil healthy.
Photo: Starlight Hunter Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Environmentally Friendly: Unlike chemicals, nematodes naturally decompose in the environment, and they don't contaminate water or harm non-target organisms.
Effective Pest Control: Beneficial nematodes help control a wide range of garden pests, such as grubs, weevils, beetles, and many others.
Improves Soil Health: Nematodes contribute to soil health by helping with decomposition and nutrient cycling. They help create richer, more fertile soil, leading to healthier and more productive plants.
Safe Around Children and Pets: Chemical pesticides can pose risks to children and pets, but nematodes are safe to use around them.
Supports Biodiversity: Using beneficial nematodes helps support a healthy and diverse ecosystem. They are a part of nature's balance and do not harm beneficial insects like bees or butterflies.