Organic matter is the dark, living part of soil, and it does several jobs at once.
What it does
- Holds water: each extra 1% can store noticeably more water, a real help in dry spells.
- Stores nutrients and releases them slowly to roots.
- Improves structure: sandy soil binds, clay opens up.
- Feeds soil organisms that cycle nutrients and suppress some diseases.
How to build it
Return crop residues, add compost or manure, grow cover or green-manure crops, and cut unnecessary tillage that burns it off. Heat and ploughing break organic matter down quickly in warm climates, so keep adding.
Have a question, or need agricultural advice?
Contact us
