You add organic matter primarily by incorporating organic materials into the soil or reducing the rate at which existing organic matter decomposes.
Here's a breakdown of methods for adding and preserving organic matter:
Methods for Adding Organic Matter
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Add Organic Materials: This is the most direct way to increase organic matter. Examples include:
- Solid Manures: Animal manure from various sources (cattle, poultry, horses, etc.) is a rich source of organic matter and nutrients. Ensure it's properly composted before application to avoid burning plants or spreading pathogens.
- Liquid Manures: Manure slurries or "tea" can be applied directly to the soil or as a foliar feed.
- Compost: Decomposed organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper, that enrich the soil. Compost improves soil structure, drainage, and fertility.
- Crop Residues: Leaving plant matter (stems, leaves, roots) in the field after harvest adds organic matter as it decomposes. Examples include cover crops, straw, or chopped corn stalks.
- Green Manures (Cover Crops): Plants grown specifically to be tilled back into the soil. They can improve soil structure, add nutrients (especially nitrogen if a legume), and suppress weeds. Examples include clover, rye, and buckwheat.
- Other Organic Amendments: Peat moss, wood chips, shredded bark, and seaweed can also be used to increase organic matter, depending on availability and soil needs. Consider the pH of the amendment; some may be acidic.
Methods for Preserving Organic Matter
- Reduce Soil Disturbance: Tilling and excessive cultivation can speed up the decomposition of organic matter. No-till or reduced-till farming practices help to preserve existing organic matter.
- Reduce Drainage: While drainage is important for preventing waterlogging, excessive drainage can lead to faster decomposition of organic matter.
- Use Cover Crops: Beyond adding organic matter when tilled in, living cover crops also protect the soil surface, reducing erosion and water loss, which indirectly helps to maintain organic matter levels.
In summary, adding organic matter is crucial for healthy soil, which leads to better plant growth and environmental benefits. By incorporating organic materials and adopting practices that minimize soil disturbance, you can effectively increase and maintain organic matter levels in your soil.
