The Importance of Soil Organic Matter: Key to Drought-resistant Soil and Sustained Food ProductionSoil organic matter - the product of on-site biological decomposition - affects the chemical and physical properties of the soil and its overall health. Its composition and breakdown rate affect: the soil structure and porosity; the water infiltration rate and moisture holding capacity of soils; the diversity and biological activity of soil organisms; and plant nutrient availability. This document concentrates on the organic matter dynamics of cropping soils and discusses the circumstances that deplete organic matter and their negative outcomes. It then moves on to more proactive solutions. It reviews a "basket" of practices in order to show how they can increase organic matter content and discusses the land and cropping benefits that then accrue.--Publisher's description. |
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acids activity of soil agroforestry animals bacteria biodiversity biomass biomass production bioturbating Brazil carbon sequestration chemical CO₂ compost compounds conservation agriculture conventional tillage cover crops crop production crop residues crop rotations cropping systems cultivation decompose degradation earthworms ecosystems effect on soil erosion fallow farmers Figure forest fungi harvesting herbicides holding capacity humic substances humus hyphae impact important improve soil increase soil land Lavelle layers lignin litter macrofauna maize manure materials micro-organisms microbial mineral mulch mycorrhizal nematodes organic matter content organic matter levels percent pesticides pests plant nutrients plant residues plant roots Plantio direto Plate pore production systems rainfall reduced result runoff sistemas soil aggregates soil biota soil cover Soil depth soil fertility soil food web soil macrofauna soil moisture soil organic matter soil particles soil properties soil structure soil surface Source species sustainable termites topsoil tropical vegetation Vertisols water infiltration weed zero tillage