Besides mineral particles, soil contains smaller or larger quantities of organic matter or humus,
resulting from the decomposition of biomass. Though in most agricultural soils of the tropics it
makes only a few percent or even less than one percent of the total solid material, it is of tremendous
importance for the soil fertility. Its functions are described in detail in chapter 3.2.2.
Organic matter is mainly present in the top layer of the soil, which is subject to continuous
transformation processes. The active part of soil organic matter can be further decomposed by
soil organisms. The resulting structures can recombine themselves to form very stable humus
structures, which can remain in the soil for many years. This long term soil organic matter or
humus contributes a lot to improve the soil structure.
resulting from the decomposition of biomass. Though in most agricultural soils of the tropics it
makes only a few percent or even less than one percent of the total solid material, it is of tremendous
importance for the soil fertility. Its functions are described in detail in chapter 3.2.2.
Organic matter is mainly present in the top layer of the soil, which is subject to continuous
transformation processes. The active part of soil organic matter can be further decomposed by
soil organisms. The resulting structures can recombine themselves to form very stable humus
structures, which can remain in the soil for many years. This long term soil organic matter or
humus contributes a lot to improve the soil structure.
No comments:
Post a Comment