FUNCTIONS OF ORGANIC MATTER IN SOIL GENERALLY

Apart from the special roles of organic matter in the soil formation and fertility, weathering and decomposition of soil mineral, formation of soil structure, source of carbon and mineral nutrients as well as growth and development of plants. The following are the functions of organic matter in soil generally;

The more or less stable end product of composition and synthesis of organic matter is a store house for the exchangeable and available cation. This humus helps to reduce nutrient loss through leaching.

Organic matter increases the buffer capacity of soil. It also helps to buffer the soil against rapid chemical changes which may occur.

It reduces the impact of rain drops on soil surfaces thereby reducing the susceptibility of the soil to erosion.

Acids produce during decomposition help in release of nutrients. More so, some acids produce during decomposition help in the dissolving of minerals thus making it more available to plants for their growth and development.

Organic matter increases the amount of available water in sandy and loaming soil. The granular structure got from organic matter supply more water than sticky and impervous soils.

Roots of death plants and decayed ones. When roots die and decay, they provide channels through which new plant root grows more luxuriantly.

Organic matter is a source of food/energy to both macro and micro organisms living in the soil.

Organic matter in the soil makes phosphorus more available to acid soils. As organic matter decomposes it releases lactates, oxalates, citrate acids which combine with phosphorus easily and makes phosphorus easily available.