Soil organic matter, seemingly ordinary, is actually a core element for soil fertility and health, and has profound significance for ecosystems and agricultural production.
The sources of soil organic matter
From the perspective of composition, soil organic matter is rather complex and can be classified into live biomass of microorganisms, fresh and partially decomposed debris, as well as humus. It mainly originates from surface plants, such as straw, plant debris from forests and grasslands, etc. Through the gradual decomposition by different organisms, it transitions from the mechanical stage to the chemical stage and becomes an important component of soil organic matter. In addition, the metabolic products of organisms, their corpses, and the activities of animals such as earthworms also contribute to the formation of soil organic matter.
The role of soil organic matter
Soil organic matter is crucial to soil function and quality, bringing numerous benefits. It can improve soil structure aggregation, enable the soil to form a more reasonable aggregate structure, and enhance the water and nutrient retention capacity. For instance, it's like building "small reservoirs" and "fertilizer banks" for the soil, allowing water and nutrients to be better retained and providing a continuous supply for plant growth. Meanwhile, soil organic matter serves as a "breeding ground" for soil biodiversity, providing a living environment for numerous microorganisms and small animals, promoting their reproduction and activities. The activities of these organisms further improve soil properties. Moreover, it serves as a reservoir of plant nutrients, slowly releasing macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as various micronutrients through mineralization, ensuring the growth needs of plants. Soil organic matter is also the main sink and source of soil carbon. Soil, as one of the largest carbon sinks on Earth, plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Attach importance to soil organic matter
If the organic matter content in the soil is rich, the soil fertility level will be high, the growth of crops will be guaranteed, and high yields will be more promising. On the contrary, if the soil has a low or poor organic matter content, crops often grow slowly, have a low fertilizer utilization rate, low and unstable yields, and poor stress resistance.
A variety of measures can be taken to increase soil organic matter, such as increasing the input of organic fertilizers; Implement straw returning to the field, improve relevant technologies and promote covering technologies; Plant green manure crops and strengthen management; Apply biochar and apply it reasonably; Promote conservation tillage, reduce the frequency of tillage and preserve surface cover; Reasonable crop rotation and intercropping; Strengthen soil management, apply fertilizers scientifically, and carry out reasonable irrigation and drainage. Promote ecological agriculture and organic agriculture, etc.
Soil organic matter is a precious treasure bestowed upon us by nature. It is the "source of life" of the soil. Only by fully recognizing and attaching importance to soil organic matter, and scientifically and reasonably increasing and maintaining the content of soil organic matter, can our land remain fertile continuously, crops grow vigorously, and the sustainable development of agriculture be guaranteed.