Organic Matter
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3 Reasons OM is helpful?
Increases structure Improves water infiltration Resists compaction More resistant to erosion Reduces bulk density
The LIVING
plant roots, moles/voles (animals), bugs, bacteria 10-20%
The DEAD
Recently added plant residues, manures, compost Dead microbes and insect bodies Sloughed off root cells/root secretions Microbial secretions 10-20%
The VERY DEAD
Completely decayed over time: complex organic substances (soil hummus) Provides beneficial physical properties to soil (aggregation, drainage, water holding capacity) Source residue no longer recognizable 60-80%
What conditions do microbes need?
organic matter there is greater activity in undisturbed soils Cover crops- microbes eat 60% OM When they eat OM they give off CO2