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Illinois
  Roots Add Nutrients    
 
Introduction
Prairie Ecosystems
Prairie Plants
Adaptations
Underground Prairie
Roots and Erosion
Roots Add Nutrients
Fertile Soils
Field Guide
Animals
Fire
Water
Prairie Peninsula
Illinois Prairies
Landforms
Prairie Restoration
Planting a Prairie Garden
Human Voices
Inspiration for Art
Restoration Game
Resources
Credits
Teacher Orientation
         
Site M
Jim Edgar, Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

Because prairie plants have massive roots, they help contribute to the richness of the soil. Each year the plants create more roots to absorb moisture underground. Every year some of the roots die off, adding to the organic material in the soil. As this organic material decomposes, it returns important nutrients back to the soil. Over thousands of years, a large amount of organic material has decomposed, creating extremely fertile soil in Illinois. 

 

   
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