Organic matter has negative charges which will hold positive-charged nutrients such as ammonium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and others. Sandy particles have no electrical charges to hold nutrients. Clay, silt and organic matter help hold nutrients in the soil. Too much clay and silt will cause a tight soil evidenced by poor air and water movement in the soil. There is a constant exchange of plant nutrients between organic matter and the soil solution where plant roots pick up nutrients.
Organic matter helps increase microorganisms.
Microorganisms are very beneficial to soils. They convert nutrients that are unavailable to plants into a form plants can use. They also provide for the nitrogen-fixing ability for legumes as well as many other functions. Broiler litter also has several disadvantages. Litter has an odor for a short time after being applied to soil, especially the first time it gets wet.