Bacteria also produce growth-promoting compounds that stimulate plant growth from the roots. Fungi are often thought of as pathogens, but most have a valuable use in decomposing litter and binding soil particles together. When mycorrhizal fungi colonize a plant, they increase the amount of sugar that moves to the roots. This increases photosynthesis and amino acids, which makes soil phosphorus more available to the plant. Fungi and bacteria are also a food source for other organisms living in the soil.
Earthworms are ecosystem engineers and can dramatically change soil.
Their burrows form macropores so roots, oxygen and water can easily move through. They also eat dead plant material. Their fecal pellets are full of nitrogen available to plants. The presence of earthworms improves pasture productivity by up to 30 percent. Earthworm numbers increase with no tillage and in pasture conditions.