Organic Matter In Soil.
Organic matter is another material in the soil that has several important
roles.
ORGANIC MATTER:
1. acts like glue to hold the mineral particles together.
2. Is a food source for the minute( or micro) organisms that live in the soil.
3. Is a source of nutrients for the plants.
4. Strongly influences what color the soil will be.
Organic Matter and the mineral particles work together somewhat
like mortar and bricks.
The organic matter acts as the mortar or glue and causes particles
to stick together in particular ways.
A well- structured soil will be half solids and half pores filled with
either air or water.
You can see how different amounts of organic matter affect the soil
by simply digging down a few feet in your back yard.
The first foot of soil is probably nearly black because it contains lots
of organic matter and is also loosely compacted , this top soil should
have a loose crumbly texture.
As you dig further into the ground, the soil becomes much heavier
as the organic matter decreases and the structure becomes more
massive and dense. The soil color probably noticeably lightens.
It is important to maintain the organic matter content in your soil.
This can be done by putting your manures, compost, or other
sources of organic matter back into your garden each year.
Mix these materials into your soil to ensure that they begin
breaking down before you plant next year.
keep your garden drug free.
December 13th, 2007 at 10:54 am
Hi! Thanks for visiting my site. I’ve added you to my blogroll. I’m happy to have a new blogger friend who believes in organic gardening!