What is The Role of Organic Matter in Soil?

Most people know that plants need soil to grow. They are aware that plants need organic matter in the soil to survive and grow. But what is the role of organic matter in soil for plants? How is this matter formed? What are its properties?

1. Soil is Made of Humic Acid

The first thing one should know is that most of the soil used for growing plants is made of humic acid. This is a simple acid (sodium bicarbonate), which is a byproduct of human bacteria activity in the soil. The other type of soil used is clay in which organic matter is either completely lost or, if it is present, in a relatively reduced amount. Clay soils are ideal for the development of crops, because these have a very high water-retention property.

2. Effect of Humic Acid and Clay on Soil

Humic acid and clay both are soluble in water, so they can be added to the soil used for cultivation. In fact, they are often added to the soil already and just needing added to the crop they are intended to be grown in. Adding humic acid or clay improves the fertility of the soil and makes it more alkaline. As a result, the crop will mature quicker and, therefore, be sent off on to the market faster.

3. Role of Stoneware or Potting Soil

The other type of soil used is stoneware or potting soil. This is the most abundant type of soil and has the perfect mix of organic matter needed by the plants. Potting soil can be mixed with organic matter from plant wastes, dead leaves and stems, etc. It also contains humus. It is the perfect medium for many different types of crops, including cabbages, lettuce and cucumbers.

4. Soil without Organic Matter

Soil which has had no organic matter added will contain much less water and nutrients than the nutrient-rich soil that has been enriched with organic matter. A soil that is enriched with organic matter has greater drainage, so it will retain more of the water and help the plants stay damp or dry more easily. It also has the proper pH level for the plants to grow at a healthy rate. An optimal amount of water is also available for the plants through this type of soil.

5. Ways to Increase the Effect of Organic Matter

There are two ways to increase the role of organic matter in soil for crops. They include adding compost to the soil, or making the soil acidic to bring in the necessary moisture. Adding organic matter to the soil is a slow process; it takes time to develop and mature the plants’ roots to absorb the necessary nutrients.

6. Making Soil Acidic, to add Organic Matter

On the other hand, making the soil acidic to add organic matter is a fast process, and can be completed very quickly. It uses an acidifying ingredient to change the soil’s chemical make up and therefore accelerate its ability to hold more water, nutrients, and plant roots. There is much less time involved in the process than there is in building up organic matter in the soil. However, an excessive amount of this organic matter can cause the soil to become unfit for planting seeds.

7. Organic Matter Ensure Best Gardening Products

Because the process is so important to plant development, most gardeners are constantly working to make sure that their gardens are as perfect as possible. Organic matter is one way to ensure that you and your family get the best produce possible. Increasing the amount of nutrient-rich soil used will help to develop the healthiest plants possible. The result will be a healthier you and a happier family.

8. Benefits of Organic Matter-Rich Soil

While organic matter-rich soil can greatly improve the health of plants, there is more to it than just that. Most importantly, using the right amount of it will allow the plants to grow as naturally as possible. The best-tasting vegetables come from organically grown crops. In order to have the most successful garden, it is critical that you make sure that your soil meets all of these requirements.

9. Knowing the Amount of Organic Matter in Soil

Another way to ensure that you are getting the right soil for your needs is to determine how much you need. There are various factors involved here, including the amount of sunlight the area gets and how often you apply fertilizers. It is important to know exactly how much organic matter your soil has since this will help you determine what you need to add to it.

10. Potassium, the Most Valuable Nutrients

The most valuable, yet also hard-to-find nutrients that are part of the soil’s organic matter include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Potassium is particularly important because it helps to regulate the levels of water in your plants’ root system. For this reason, many farmers use potassium in their fertilizers.

11. Adding Right Amount of Organic Matter

What can you do to ensure that you are getting the best soil for your crops? The first step in this direction is to make sure that you’re adding the right amount of organic matter. You can achieve this by buying organic soil only from reputable garden stores. Additionally, you should be mixing your soil every week or so with compost or bone meal. These substances will provide your soil with essential nutrients, including the ones it needs to grow.