What is organic matter?
It is the result of the decomposition of residues (from microorganisms) of both plant and animal and are carbon compounds in the soil. In the process of creating organic matter from soil microorganisms, nutrients assimilated by plants are released into the soil, a special role is played by the supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and iron. The process of decomposition is followed by processes of reconstitution and transformation of the compounds that end up in humus. This process is done by soil organisms continuously. Through these chemical compositions the decomposition compounds are prevented from becoming insoluble. The role they play is important, for example the humic substance helps to provide iron to plants even in soils with medium to high pH.
Organic matter decomposition agents
The factors that affect the activity of microorganisms, such as the various soil microorganisms, are mainly those that actually regulate the course of decomposition of organic matter. The conditions that affect humification are:
–Atmospheric temperature
Affects soil temperature. Cold periods delay the growth of plants and the decomposition of organic matter. Warm seasons help high plant production but also rapid breakdown of organic matter. High content of the latter occurs when the temperature is high, that is, as required, during the period of plant growth and short the remaining intervals, when organic matter accumulates in the soil. These findings are also reflected in the fact that the soils in the steppes are the richest in terms of humus.
- Soil water
Both plants and microorganisms require extra soil moisture along with water capacity. Drought or flooding of the soil reduces the ability of the leaves to grow and the organic matter to decompose.
–The soil content of nutrients
Lack of essential nutrients, especially nitrogen, reduces plant growth mainly due to competition between different microorganisms and plants. Also, the more nitrogen there is in a soil, the more the organic matter will be retained (because the nitrogen necessary for microorganisms is discounted).
–The reaction of the soil
When the pH values are between 6 and 8 they are considered the best for the action and growth of soil microorganisms, which is significantly limited to pH <4,5 and pH> 8,5. Acidic soils show more adverse conditions.
–The mechanical composition
Clay soils retain more humus.
Advantages of organic matter
- Reduces the plasticity and consistency of heavy soils while increasing correspondingly light
- It is a substrate for the growth of microorganisms
- Creates stable agglomerates and generally improves soil structure
- Increases the ability to retain moisture and the regulating capacity of soils
- It contributes significantly to soil fertility because it is a source of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur
- It enriches the soils with nutrients
- Reduces production costs (purchase of fertilizers)
- Improves the physical properties of the soil (porosity, erosion, compaction)
