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Soil Organic MatterSoil organic matter not only stores nutrients in the soil, but is also a direct source of nutrients. Some of the world’s most fertile soils tend to contain high amounts of organic matter. Soil organic matter includes all organic (or carbon-containing) substances within the soil. Soil organic matter includes:
As organic matter decomposes in the soil, it may be lost through several avenues. Since organic matter performs many functions in the soil, it is important to maintain soil organic matter by adding fresh sources of animal and plant residues, especially in the tropics where the decomposition of organic residues is continuous throughout the year. Important Functions of Organic MatterAlthough surface soils usually contain only 1-6 % organic matter, soil organic matter performs very important functions in the soil. Soil organic matter:
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