Nutrients for Plants
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#6 Organic Matter in Soil
by Carol Minnick
The golden rule of gardening says, "If you treat your soil well, your soil will treat
your plants well."
Healthy, fertile soil is a mixture of water, air, minerals, and organic matter. In soil,
organic matter consists of plant and animal material that is in the process of
decomposing. When it has fully decomposed it is called humus. This humus is important
for soil structure because it holds individual mineral particles together in clusters. Ideal
soil has a granular, crumbly structure that allows water to drain through it, and allows
oxygen and carbon dioxide to move freely between spaces within the soil and the air
above.
Successful gardening depends on good soil. One of the best ways to improve soil
fertility is to add organic matter. It helps soil hold important plant nutrients. By adding
organic matter to sandy soil, you improve the ability of the soil to retain water. In a clay
soil, humus will loosen the soil to make it more crumbly. You can increase the organic
matter in your garden by adding compost or applying mulch.
Application of organic matter to the soil adds carbon, which promotes the growth of
beneficial bacteria, which increases the likelihood of hearty plants. Another benefit is
when crops grow and demand more nutrients, added organic matter can be used as
plant food. Remember that every time you disturb soil by turning or tilling, oxygen also
is added to the soil. This increases microbial activity, which feeds on organic matter.
Therefore, soil disturbance can decrease the soil’s organic matter reserves and should
be kept to a minimum.
Scientists have been researching the benefits of organic material for decades. They
have found that plant deficiency diseases usually are less severe in soils that are well
supplied with organic matter. This not only increases the vigor of the plants, but various
soil microorganisms become more active in the presence of an abundance of organic
matter. For example, certain kinds of fungi that live in decaying organic matter have
been found to kill harmful nematodes.
Healthy, productive soil has a good proportion of organic matter in it. You can
successfully increase the quality of your soil by regularly adding organic matter. Caring
for the soil is an ongoing process and is essential for successful backyard conservation.
Resource:
United States Department of Agriculture
The golden rule of gardening says, "If you treat your soil well, your soil will treat
your plants well."
Healthy, fertile soil is a mixture of water, air, minerals, and organic matter. In soil,
organic matter consists of plant and animal material that is in the process of
decomposing. When it has fully decomposed it is called humus. This humus is important
for soil structure because it holds individual mineral particles together in clusters. Ideal
soil has a granular, crumbly structure that allows water to drain through it, and allows
oxygen and carbon dioxide to move freely between spaces within the soil and the air
above.
Successful gardening depends on good soil. One of the best ways to improve soil
fertility is to add organic matter. It helps soil hold important plant nutrients. By adding
organic matter to sandy soil, you improve the ability of the soil to retain water. In a clay
soil, humus will loosen the soil to make it more crumbly. You can increase the organic
matter in your garden by adding compost or applying mulch.
Application of organic matter to the soil adds carbon, which promotes the growth of
beneficial bacteria, which increases the likelihood of hearty plants. Another benefit is
when crops grow and demand more nutrients, added organic matter can be used as
plant food. Remember that every time you disturb soil by turning or tilling, oxygen also
is added to the soil. This increases microbial activity, which feeds on organic matter.
Therefore, soil disturbance can decrease the soil’s organic matter reserves and should
be kept to a minimum.
Scientists have been researching the benefits of organic material for decades. They
have found that plant deficiency diseases usually are less severe in soils that are well
supplied with organic matter. This not only increases the vigor of the plants, but various
soil microorganisms become more active in the presence of an abundance of organic
matter. For example, certain kinds of fungi that live in decaying organic matter have
been found to kill harmful nematodes.
Healthy, productive soil has a good proportion of organic matter in it. You can
successfully increase the quality of your soil by regularly adding organic matter. Caring
for the soil is an ongoing process and is essential for successful backyard conservation.
Resource:
United States Department of Agriculture