I notice that in containers the root system of certain plants (Camelli, iris, cana lily) can break down small segement of branches and wood chips into humus/top soil very fast (the soil is very black and very fine). Why??? Is it due to the root system or due to the bacteria assoicated with the root system???
It's actually the microbes in the soil, wood chips or potting mix. Take a look here for some interesting reading. http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/soil_quality/soil_biology/soil_biology_primer.html Newt
