Question
I have a vegetable garden for the last 6-7 years, this year all my plants did horrible, I thought it may be my soil condition, or maybe I over crowded my plants. But when I dug out my plants that were not producing I notice no matter where I put my shovel and look at the soil I dug up all these small isolated clump size roots that seemed to be attached to nothing. I started thinking that these roots stole all the water and fertlizer that I put on it. I have never had this issue before and there is no trees close. My question is, what caused this and how do I fix it.

Answer
Hi Curtis, There are a number of fungi that form small balls of mycelium (roots) in the soil, especially under adverse conditions as they wait for better times.  Most of these are beneficial but there are some fungi that inhibit plant growth, so that's a possibility.  More often, poor plant growth is related to cultural conditions: pH, nutrients, soil moisture, weather, etc.
Have your soil tested to rule out pH and nutrient problems.  Take a sample of the roots, some of your stunted plants and your soil to a trusted garden center in your area as the next step.  Your expert may spot something that helps zero in on the issue. He will look for things like mites, disease, root knot nematodes, etc. that most people would not notice. He'll probably give you the third degree and ask questions like "has anything changed?", drainage, sunlight, etc.
Give him as much info as you can.  I'm sure it can be fixed, once we determine the cause.  Jim