Organic matter also increases both the water and nutrient holding capacity of the soil. It's found in manure, compost, aged leaves, sawdust, and decomposing mulches. In most North Carolina soils, ground pine bark is a great soil amendment. Fresh hardwood mulch should not be used as a soil conditioner. Let the Water Flow - Soil drainage is critical to plant growth.
Poor drainage can cause serious problems for plants, including root rot.
The soil's ability to hold water must be balanced with its ability to retain enough oxygen for plants to grow. If soil becomes too saturated, oxygen will be depleted and plants won't be able to retrieve the nutrients they need. Gotta Get a Bin - Compost is biologically active organic matter that's made at home by nature. Stir a little compost into the top 3-4 inches of soil, and your plants will flourish. The billions of living creatures found in compost help plant roots absorb water and nutrients.