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Microscopic grey mites in soil

Matt697Matt697 Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Hi I have a raised veg bed consisting of soil /manure and compost. I have discovered a small area a few inches across which looks like a grey mould on the top of the soil but on closer inspection it is thousands of microscopic jumping insects. I have no idea what these are. I have tried to dig them out but they reappear in the same spot after a few days. Any idea what they may be and are the harmful to plants and soil

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    They're likely to be springtails and beneficial to the garden. Most insects and fungus are beneficial apart from a very few species.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited October 2020
    wild edges said:
    They're likely to be springtails and beneficial to the garden. Most insects and fungus are beneficial apart from a very few species.
    @wild edges  👍 
    Insects and fungi are essential to a healthy and productive soil ecosystem 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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