Organic matter is the life of a soil. Organic matter will increase the water holding ability, improve soil aeration, improve soil structure, increase the plant nutrient-holding ability and increase microorganisms. Sandy soils of East Texas have a low water-holding ability. Organic matter has good water retention abilities which help sandy soils. Pastures planted in soils where litter has been applied for several years will remain green and grow longer in dry years.
Plant roots take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide.
A root will not grow without oxygen. Air exchange in the root zone is essential for root growth. A poor root system provides a poor top growth. Litter will help the soil structure so that a soil has good air exchange. Organic matter has negative charges which will hold positive-charged nutrients such as ammonium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and others.