Rollie Pollies Remove Heavy Metals from Soil, Improve Growing Conditions and Expedite Composting

We can all agree that rollie pollies are cute in some odd way. Known for their ability to roll up into a ball when feel threatened, rollie pollies are unique creatures. Though we refer to them as bugs, rollie pollies are actually a crustacean and are related to crabs.

Rollie Pollies along with earthworms and snails  are the most important creatures, responsible for decomposition of fauna and recirculating the soil.

Improve Soil Health and Expedite Composting

What most people don’t realize is that the fact that rollie pollies are not just useless creatures that are fun to look at, they actually help your soil in tremendous ways. Rollie pollies  are able to improve soil health  and clean up your garden by feeding on dead matter. These little creatures return organic matter to the soil so it can be digested further by bacteria, and fungi.

This process supplies phosphates, nitrates and other essential nutrients to the plants.

Rollie Pollies Remove Toxic Metals from the Soil

One of the most important reasons to keep rollie pollies in the garden is that they effectively remove heavy metals from the soil. They take harmful metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic and crystallize them in their guts.

The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Pest and Disease Control: A Complete Guide to Maintaining a Healthy Garden and Yard the Earth-Friendly Way (Rodale Organic Gardening)h

The beauty of rollie pollies  lies in their ability to renew the soil and prevent toxic metal ions from leaching into the groundwater.