They also need organic matter, which they use as a food source, and high amounts of available calcium. Worms also leave numerous channels in the soil which may result in pesticides and nutrients entering the subsoils at faster rates. See worms 1 or worms 2 for more information about worms. Roots Roots absorb the water and nutrients that are needed by the plants for photosynthesis and respiration. Roots in the soil play an important role in the activity of organisms.
Roots are often a little leaky, and the material that they leak is referred to as root exudates.
The area immediately around the root is known as the rhizosphere. The rhizosphere is higher in soil organism activity due to increased food supply leaked by the root for the organisms to use. Nematodes Smaller soil organisms will include a wide variety of species. Another worm-like organism is the nematode. Nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on organic matter and other soil animals or infect plant roots.