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Why Soil Organic Matter Is So Important. A fertile and healthy soil is the basis for healthy plants, animals and humans. And soil organic matter is the very foundation for healthy and productive soils. Understanding the role of organic matter in maintaining a healthy soil is essential for developing ecologically sound agricultural practices.
Nov 18, 2023 · Changes in soil surface and water-flow pattern when seals and crusts develop. Studies on both undisturbed and agricultural soils show that as organic matter increases, soils tend to be less compact and have more space for air passage, helping to conduct water into the soil and storing it for plants to use.
Aug 20, 2023 · It plays a key role in numerous soil. functions, contributing to soil structure, nutrient. cycling, and water retention, among other things. ( Janzen, 2006). The importance of SOM in agriculture ...
- What Is Organic Matter?
- The Benefits of Organic Materials
- Management Practices to Increase Soil Organic Matter
Organic materials are the fraction of the soil that includes approximately by weight, according to USDA-NRCS, 2014: 1. 5% of living organisms 2. 10% crop residues 3. 33-50% decomposing organic matter(the active fraction) 4. 33-50% stable organic matter (humus) The active fraction of organic matter readily changes mass and form as it decomposes; thu...
Increasing levels of organic matter improve the physical, chemical, and biological functions of the soil. The benefits of organic matterare summarized into the following five functions: 1. Biological Function There are many benefits to organic matter, most of which begin with enhancing the biological diversity and activity in the soil. As organic m...
Several factors such as climate, soil type, crop grown and specific management practices can each influence the amount of soil organic matter regionally or in specific fields; therefore, local conditions should be used as benchmarks for comparison when implementing practices to increase soil organic matter(Figure 3, STS). Soils that have greater or...
Credit: David Read. Soil provides plants a foothold for their roots and holds the necessary nutrients for plants to grow. Soil filters the rainwater and regulates the discharge of excess rainwater, preventing flooding. It also buffers against pollutants, thus protecting groundwater quality. Soil is capable of storing large amounts of organic ...
Organic matter within the soil serves several functions. From a practical agricultural standpoint, it is important for two main reasons: (i) as a “revolving nutrient fund”; and (ii) as an agent to improve soil structure, maintain tilth and minimize erosion. As a revolving nutrient fund, organic matter serves two main functions:
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Why are soil organisms important?
Soil health is the capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains its functions. Soil is a complex environment with many components, including organic matter, communities of micro-organisms (microbes), air and water pores, and minerals. Sadly, human activities can damage soil health impacting entire ecosystems.
