These vitally important factors are increased also by the correct mechanical mixing of vegetation into the surface soil. Some soil scientists estimate that there are 70 tons of living organisms and other life in an acre of fertile soil. The importance of fourteen five-ton truck loads of microbes in an acre is overshadowed completely by a sheep or two to the acre. Fertile topsoil and even very poor soil can be treated as a yeast. Fed and cared for, it increases.
Processes of decay are the multiplication of soil life.
These processes initiate or commence in the presence of moisture, air and heat. All three are necessary. Pounding and pulverising, turning and slicing implements have all interfered with and reduced pore space in fertile soil. Fertile soil is loose, absorbent and pleasant smelling. It is dark in colour caused by decay in the production of humus.