Organic Matter in the Soil

What forms the organic portion of soil


Percentage of organic matter in soil


Importance of soil organic matter

Organic matter in the soil performs a number of important roles. Firstly is will add a range of nutrients to the soil. These need to be replaces especially if you are growing crops of some type and are removing them from the system, thus the natural cycle is being broken (especially if you have indoor plumbing).

It also improves moisture retention in sandy soil and reduces water-logging in clay soil. It allows worms to live in your soil. The worms naturally aerate your soil making it easier for the plant roots to get the oxygen that they need. Organic matter can also improve the soil structure, because the odd shaped pieces reduce tight packing effects and make the soil more crumbly instead of hard and concrete like, which also makes it easier for plant roots to spread. Finally it can help the pH of some soils to move towards neutral, which is favoured by a wide variety of plants.


Definition – What does Humus mean?




Why is humus important



Organisms that live in soil


Importance of soil living organisms

