Here are some factors that influence soil fertility. Soil fertility is the ability of soil to sustain plant growth and optimize crop yield. The term som is used to describe the organic constituents in soil in various stages of decomposition such as tissues from dead plants and animals, materials less than 2mm in size, and soil organisms. Soil organic matter is generally considered the single most important property affecting quality and functioning of soils gregorich et al. Soil organic matter contributes to soil productivity in many different ways. We also discuss field management practices that will help preserve or increase soil organic matter levels over time. The number of farmers using composts in their operations has increased in the last several years as they look to compost as a source of nutrients and organic matter.
Fungi are an important part of the microbial ecology. The rate and degree of these changes and the best suite of practices needed to achieve results vary with soil and climate. The role of soil microbes in the global carbon cycle. As a result, the fertility of the soil is increased. Live and dead earthworm numbers per square metre at 015 cm of soil depth sampled immediately after treatment 33 12.
Regulation of priming effect by soil organic matter. The formation and decomposition of soil organic matter are fundamental lifepromoting processes that store and release energy derived from photosynthesis. Compost is a good fertilizer because it contains nutrients as well as organic matter. Pdf the role of organic matter in soil acidification. Pdf role of organic matter in alleviating soil acidity. Organic matter is also a significant source of micronutrients such as iron fe, copper cu and zinc zn. So, lets move on here to one of the fundamentals of organic plant health care. Organic fact sheet managing soil fertility and fertility. Acting as a cementing agent by binding soil particles and thereby reducing and preventing soil. In terms of species richness, arthropods may represent as much as 85% of the soil fauna. Some farmers make their own composts from manure and.
Soil fertility and organic matter as critical components. In addition to supplying nutrients, soil organic matter improves soil fertility by imparting favorable chemical and physical attributes to soil. They comprise a large proportion of the meso and macrofauna of the soil. The addition of organic manures such as compost, chicken manure and town refuse to soils is a current environmental and agricultural practice for human healthy and have a direct effect on soil. Nuclear techniques provide data that enhances soil fertility and crop production while minimizing the environmental impact. The role of carbon in promoting healthy soils future. There is a new appreciation for the essential presence of this soil component, there is a better understanding of the relationship between the organic and inorganic components of the soil production systems.
Their importance in soil fertility and plant health dr. The role of soil organic matter in maintaining the. Soil organic matter has a central role in sustainable land management, but perspectives on the roles of som differ widely between farmers, consumers, scientists and policymakers. The role of integrated soil fertility mangement technology enhanced crop production and sustained land. Its not about products, proper cultural methods do play a key role but without an understanding of how soil organic matter plays a role in everything, organic plant health care is very difficult. Soil i the unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants. Nutrient management role of organic matter in soil. These organisms help by changing decaying plant material to soil organic matter. Soil fertility and fertilizer management strategy for myanmar. Evaluation of the organic matter content of a soil in parana 20 9. Naturevolume 371, pages783785 1994 download citation. Soil organic matter som plays an important role as a pool of terrestrial c, in ecosystem productivity, in the functioning of agroecosystems loveland and webb, 2003 and in cropland fertility tiessen et al. The role of organic matter is explained in more details below. This makes humus a great solution for soil fertility 2.
All these genus play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter in the soil, which helps in soil fertility. The role of cover crops in the organic management of soil fertility the use of composts, manures, and other organic. Soil organisms play a vital role in decomposing organic matter, releasing inorganic forms of nutrients available for plant uptake i. Many tropical soils are poor in inorganic nutrients and rely on the recycling of nutrients from soil organic matter to maintain fertility. Population size of root nodule bacteria with different crop rotations 32 11.
Soil fertility and soil quality in sustainable farming systems 1. Role of organic matter and humus increasing soil organic matter is a key aspect of an organic production system. The result is a dark, somewhat nutrientrich soil conditioner. Once a land manager begins working towards enhancing soil organic matter, a series of soil changes and environmental benefits follow. Agronomic evaluation of biochar, compost and biochar. What are some factors which influence soil fertility. The role of soil organic matter in sustaining soil fertility. Soil carbon, in the form of organic matter, is considered as an indicator of. Introduction composting is the biological decomposition of organic materials by bacteria and other organisms. This can be enhanced through organic and inorganic fertilizers to the soil. The major roles and functions of algae in soil are.
As the moisture moves downward, it carries fine particles of soil material and minerals with it and deposits then in b horizon subsoil. Organic matter serves as a reservoir of nutrients and water in the soil, aids in reducing compaction and surface crusting, and increases water infiltration into the soil. The influence of added organic matter on soil physical. Fungi break down the organic residues so that many different types of microbes can start to decompose and. Soil, they play an essential role in plant nutrient cycles, i. Moisture also allows the soil organisms to increase in number and activity. Build and maintain soil organic matter to promote desirable soil physical properties and supply essential.
Soil organic matter soil organic matter is the fundamental source of fertility in or. Because of its high ratio in organic compounds, humus is also very rich in microorganisms which help plants to absorb nutrients or to combat diseases. Soil organic matter som plays an important role as a pool of terrestrial c, in ecosystem productivity, in the functioning of agroecosystems loveland and webb, 2003 and in cropland fertility. Soil organic matter is the fraction of the soil that consists of biological residues of plant, animal, and microorganisms in various stages of decomposition. The importance of soil organic matter home food and. What is soil ph and why is it important to know the ph of your soil. As this organic matter decom poses, it creates humus, a very stable, dark brownblack material thats rich in nutrients vital for healthy plant growth.
The majority of fungi decompose the lignin and the hardtodigest soil organic matter, but some fungi consume simple sugars. General principles of soil productivity and fertility. Soil organic matter plays a major role in maintaining soil quality as it positively influences a wide range of soil. Understanding the science of organic matter in the soil has progressed rapidly in recent years. Playing an important role in the maintenance of soil fertility, especially in tropical soils. This paper discusses the effects of trees on soil fertility, with a focus on agricultural systems in amazonia.
Soil organic matter som plays a critical role for soil fertility, food production, climate regulation and ecosystem stability 1. Its nature, its role in soil formation and in soil fertility focuses on the contributions of soil organic matter in soil formation and fertility, including weathering, decomposition, and synthesis of humus substances. The various functions of soil organic matter are given in the text boxes, pointing to the soil section illustrating the respective aspect. Reduction of dry matter of different cover crops 22 10. Live and dead earthworm numbers per square metre at 015 cm of soil depth.
The role and function of organic matter in tropical soils. It also offers a number of solutions for common soil challenges, which are especially critical in mediterranean regions. Organic matter forms a very small but an important portion and it is obtained from dead plant roots, crop residues, various organic manures like farmyard manure, compost and green manure, fungi, bacteria, worms and insects. Soil organic matter content is key for a healthy and highquality soil. This brochure highlights methods to improve soil organic matter content which can help ensure adequate soil functionality and soil fertility. The influence of added organic matter on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. As expected, application of organic amendments results in an immediate increase in soil organic carbon, which is generally proportional to the amount of carbon applied chantigny et al. It is of brownishblackish colour and of crucial importance for soil fertility.
Of all the components of soil, organic matter is probably the most important and most misunderstood. The publication first elaborates on the main stages in the history of soil humus study and ideas on the. Application of manures such as oil cakes, compost, farmyard manure fmy and animal origin such as cow dung, urine, bone meal increases the organic matter in the soil and thus the fertility of the soil is increased. Som turnover plays a crucial role in soil ecosystem functioning and global warming. As this organic matter decom poses, it creates humus, a very stable, dark brownblack material thats rich in. The net effect of these two processes is typically determined by the ratio of carbon to the nitrogen content in the organic material. Using compost as the only means to maintain soil fertility is.
As the largest organic carbon c pool in terrestrial ecosystems. Organic matter in the soil is the remains of plant, dung or animal residues after partial decomposition. The role of organic amendments in soil reclamation. Soil organic carbon as a component of soil organic matter. Soil fertility and fertilizer management strategy for myanmar viii soil nutrient restoration can be accomplished to a limited extent through application of organic materials, such as crop residue, animal manure, and green manure. Maintenance of soil organic matter introduction the importance of soil organic matter soil organic matter comprises all living soil organisms and the remains of previous living organisms in their various degrees of decomposition. Some consider som as a source of nutrients to be exploited, whereas others can afford to utilize it as a key component in the management of the chemical, biological. Agroforestry and the improvement of soil fertility.