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Decomposition, an Important Process We'd Rather Not Think About

decaying leaves

We give insects credit for pollination, but we often take their other work for granted. 

If you don't like the term decomposition, you could be trendy and call it recycling. That is really what it is, taking dead things and getting them back into the food web. - Donald Lewis

Donald Lewis, an entomologist for Iowa State University, says if it weren't for insects, we would have a lot more dead plants and animals laying around. "Decomposition involves lots of different organisms, it's not just insects, but the insects are there first and start the process." 

During this Talk of Iowa interview, Charity Nebbe talks with Lewis and Iowa State University Extension horticulture expert Richard Jauron about insects, slugs, and your lawn and garden questions. 

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HorticultureHort DayHort Day
Charity Nebbe is the host of IPR's Talk of Iowa
Lindsey Moon is IPR's Senior Digital Producer