You know the old saying, "out of sight, out of mind"? So it goes with the bulk of the living creatures associated with Wyoming’s Natural Resources.

I’m not talking about the elk or the deer that mysteriously disappear during hunting season. I’m talking about this – the soil. When we look across Wyoming’s rangelands, we see only one-quarter or less of the total plant material. More than three-quarters is below ground.

But roots are not the only living things below ground. There are so many different creatures, we can’t count them and most are too small to see with the naked eye. There are microscopic bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, and slightly larger animals including mites and tiny worms called nematodes.

These organisms play very important roles such as cycling nutrients, breaking down plant and animal remains, and helping plants absorb water and nutrients. Some of these creatures graze on belowground plant material.

The soil is an incredible living system – much more than just dirt.

From the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service, I’m Paul Meiman.