All the animal and plant waste decompose in the soil, then why the roots of the plants don't decompose?

All the animals & plants decompose in the soil but after death. In the same manner roots of the plant, get decomposed, when they die.

The root of the living plant does not decay in the soil while the dead roots decompose. 

The key reason behind this is, when the plant is alive it releases various toxins near its root zone to protect its self from the microorganisms that are responsible for decomposition. 

It also forms a symbiotic association with various fungi and bacteria which helps it in nitrogen fixation which is an important thing for its growth.

By this relationship, the population of healthy bacteria and fungi becomes more than those decomposers during the time it is alive, and prevent them to rot.

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Updated on: 27-Apr-2023

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