SOIL ORGANIC MATTER

Soil organic matter is defined as heterogenous chemical and complex material which could be derived from plant and animal remains or residue.It contains decayed and decaying plant and animal materials which could be seen as reservoir of nutrient which are essential for normal growth and development.
COMPOSITION AND CONSTITUENT OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER

• Protein
• Ether and alcohol soluble constituent
• Cellulose
• Lignin
• Hemi-cellulose
• Water soluble constituent and fraction
  
  SIGNIFICANCE OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER
• Soil moisture improvement or retention
• Cementation of soil particles
• Availability of nutrient
• Energy supply
• Soil mulching
• Erosion control

FACTORS AFFECTING DECOMPOSITION OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER

• Nature of soil organic matter
• Moisture
• Microbial population
• Light
• Soil pH
• Tillage
• Soil invertebrates