Importance of Soil Organic Matter
Subtitle: Key to Drought-resistant Food Production (Iaea Tecdoc Series)
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org
Published: December 30, 2005
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 92
ISBN-13: 9789251053669
Subjects: Agriculture - Agronomy - Soil Science; Food Science; Technology & Engineering; Science/Mathematics
Description: Soil organic matter - the product of on-site biological decomposition - affects the chemical and physical properties of the soil and its overall health. Its composition and breakdown rate affect: the soil structure and porosity; the water infiltration rate and moisture holding capacity of soils; the diversity and biological activity of soil organisms; and plant nutrient availability. This document concentrates on the organic matter dynamics of cropping soils and discusses the circumstances that deplete organic matter and their negative outcomes. It then moves on to more proactive solutions. It reviews a "basket" of practices in order to show how they can increase organic matter content and discusses the land and cropping benefits that then accrue.--Publisher's description.