Soil Organic Matter
P. P. Mahendran*
Department of Crop Management, Agriculture College and Research Institute, Kudumiyanmalai, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu (622 104), India
M. Yuvaraj
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu (606 753), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Fertility, Microbes, Organic Matter, Soil
Abstract
Soil organic matter is the fraction of the soil that consists of plant or animal tissue in various stages of breakdown (decomposition). Most of our productive agricultural soils have between 3 and 6% organic matter. Soil organic matter contributes to soil productivity in many different ways. In this fact sheet, we describe the various components of organic matter and the different roles organic matter plays in soil productivity. We also discuss field management practices that will help preserve or increase soil organic matter levels over time. The living microbial biomass includes the microorganisms responsible for decomposition (breakdown) of both plant residues and active soil organic matter or detritus. Humus is the stable fraction of the soil organic matter that is formed from decomposed plant and animal tissue. It is the final product of decomposition. The first two types of organic matter contribute to soil fertility because the breakdown of these fractions results in the release of plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.
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Reference
Brady, N.C., and Weil, R.R. (1999). The nature and properties of soils. Prentice Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ.
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