How Do Chipmunks Help Soil?

Let it Loose

• Chipmunks form extensive underground burrows to spend their days hiding from predators while emerging at night to feed. Similar to earthworm movement, chipmunks aerate the soil by creating numerous tunnels that may reach 30 feet long. Without aeration, compacted soil contributes to poor root growth and limited nutrient uptake. Plants and trees lose critical anchorage strength if roots cannot stretch both vertically and horizontally. With aerated soil from chipmunk behavior, roots can access moisture, nutrients and oxygen for vigorous growth and ample spread.

Turn that Soil

• Most plant roots remain in the top 24 to 36 inches of soil, depending on the species. At this level, roots have access to recent rainfall and critical nutrients for survival. As chipmunks burrow, dislodged soil eventually moves from deeper layers to the surface, especially because chipmunks dig as deep as 3 feet down. Nutrients and moisture trapped deep in the soil are now available for root uptake. If an area is deficient in nutrients from poor management, chipmunk burrowing can rejuvenate shallow soil for healthy and rapid plant growth.

Spread Some Seeds

• Nuts, seeds and berries are examples of the diverse foods chipmunks treasure in their deep burrows. In fact, they may travel to other yards or parks to pick out their favorite foods and save them over the winter. Because of their foraging and storing habits, many nuts and seeds are forgotten and begin germination come spring. Soil benefits from growing plants because they aerate the ground with their root structures and stabilize the area to prevent erosion. Plant diversity is a beneficial side effect as well because different pollen grains fertilize a misplaced seedling to generate a stronger plant in the future.

Add Nutrients

• Although they are not dormant, chipmunks rest periodically during the winter. They often create a nest from decaying leaves brought underground. Their food supplies reflect both plants and animals, including abandoned bird eggs and mushrooms. As a chipmunk's bedding and food supplies decompose, they add critical nutrients to the soil for plant uptake, similar to tilling compost into soil. Because chipmunks also collect and consume fungi, beneficial fungus grows underground as well, creating a stable and moist environment for plant growth.