Ants make an important contribution to the ecological balance of your garden. This is how the animals improve the soil and this is how you help ants.
Do ants promote humus-rich soil?
antsshreddingorganic materials. They alsoloosen the soil. In doing so, they do the preparatory work for further decomposition by microorganisms and the formation of humus. You support these processes by mulching and providing the right amount of moisture.
How do ants contribute to humus formation?
AntsdecomposeGarden waste andloose up the soil. If there are few ants on the ground under plants, that's not a bad sign. The animals cut up leaves, small garden waste and carry away excess seeds or fruit residues. It is not for nothing that they are also known as a type of biological waste disposal. With their activity, the ants also loosen the soil. This ensures good ventilation. This in turn promotes the decomposition of organic materials in the garden soil.
What factors promote humus-rich soil?
The crushing anddecompositionof organic materials bymicroorganisms in loose soil with appropriate air supply. At this point, ants only do some preliminary work. With your work you create exactly the right conditions for the work of microorganisms and animals such as earthworms. However, in order to obtain humus-rich soil, it is important that the ants do their normal work on the ground. On the other hand, if ant trails form up the leaves of plants, this indicates an aphid infestation.
When do ants cause problems in humus-rich soil?
You should react to the formation ofant nests in the root area. Ants often prefer to settle in drier areas or dead root areas. An ant nest on a plant root contributes less to humus-rich soil. It undermines the plant or tree. This causes the plant to lose its stability. If the roots are undermined by ants and no longer grip the soil layer so well, this also hinders the supply of nutrients to the plant.
How do I help ants create humus-rich soil?
Mulchingthe soil occasionally and ensure the appropriate level ofmoistureBasically, you should avoid waterlogging. This can make life difficult for more than just plants. Excessive moisture can also cause a layer of mulch, leaves or compost to rot instead of decomposing into humus. You should also avoid adding large amounts of lime. Lime has a counterproductive effect on the formation of humus. You should keep this in mind when applying fertilizer.
Tip
Relocate ant nests
You have discovered an ant nest and would like to gently relocate the animals instead of driving them away completely? No problem, you can easily relocate smaller nests with a flower pot and wood shavings. Then the animals will soon have their nest in a suitable place, from which the ants can then make a useful contribution to humus-rich soil in your garden.
