How does organic matter affect soil?

Study for the Maryland Fertilizer Exam. Prepare through flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed hints and explanations. Ensure your success on the test!

Organic matter plays a vital role in enhancing soil quality and productivity. One of its significant contributions is the provision of nutrients essential for plant growth. As organic matter decomposes, it releases a variety of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, which are crucial for the development of healthy plants.

Additionally, organic matter contributes to raising the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil. CEC refers to the soil's ability to hold and exchange cations (positively charged ions) such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. A higher CEC indicates that the soil can retain more nutrients and make them available to plants, thereby improving overall soil fertility.

Organic matter also improves soil structure, resulting in better aeration and water infiltration, which contributes to enhanced water retention and reduces the risk of erosion. This multifaceted influence of organic matter makes it an essential component of healthy soils in agricultural and ecological contexts.

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