Outdoors Rooms and Evicting the Upper Class

I was listening in on my Sustainable Produce Gardens class recording, and I found out something interesting. The microorganisms in our soil which break down organic matter and release nutrients in to the soil which are so important for plant growth tend to hang out in the "upper echelons" of the top-soil. Yes, indeed, they are truly refined,  high-class dudes.  Our teacher said that 75 per cent of these little critters hang about in the top 5 centimetres of our soil. This is why you hear people talking about the importance of protecting the top-soil.  

So when planning your Outdoor Room, consider keeping as much softscape as possible, to minimise the impact on these little fellas.