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Soil organic matter (SOM) is the organic matter component of soil, consisting of plant and animal detritus at various stages of decomposition, cells and tissues of soil microbes, and substances that soil microbes synthesize.
Soil consists of a solid phase of minerals and organic matter (the soil matrix), as well as a porous phase that holds gases (the soil atmosphere) and water (the soil solution). [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Accordingly, soil is a three- state system of solids, liquids, and gases. [ 3 ]
Thus soil organic matter comprises all of the organic matter in the soil exclusive of the material that has not decayed. [ 10 ] An important property of soil organic matter is that it improves the capacity of a soil to hold water and nutrients, and allows their slow release, thereby improving the conditions for plant growth.
When the organic component of a soil is substantial, the soil is called organic soil rather than mineral soil. A soil is called organic if: Mineral fraction is 0% clay and organic matter is 20% or more; Mineral fraction is 0% to 50% clay and organic matter is between 20% and 30%; Mineral fraction is 50% or more clay and organic matter 30% or ...
In a soil with 5% organic matter perhaps 2 to 5% of that is released to the soil by such decomposition. It occurs fastest in warm, moist, well aerated soil. [55] The mineralisation of 3% of the organic material of a soil that is 4% organic matter overall, would release 120 pounds (54 kg) of nitrogen as ammonium per acre. [56]
Soil biology plays a vital role in determining many soil characteristics. The decomposition of organic matter by soil organisms has an immense influence on soil fertility, plant growth, soil structure, and carbon storage. As a relatively new science, much remains unknown about soil biology and its effect on soil ecosystems.
Soil functions are general capabilities of soils that are important for various agricultural, environmental, nature protection, landscape architecture and urban applications. Soil can perform many functions and these include functions related to the natural ecosystems, agricultural productivity, environmental quality, source of raw material ...
Soil structure refers to the size, shape and arrangement of solid particles in soil. [15] Factors such as climate, vegetation and organisms influence the complex arrangement of particles in the soil [16] Structural features of the soil include microporosity and pore size which are also affected by minerals and soil organic matter. [17]