Abstract
The organic matter content of agricultural soils is highly correlated with their potential productivity, tilth, and fertility. Although the amount of soil organic matter (SOM) in most semiarid dryland soils is relatively low, ranging from 0.5 to 3% and typically less than 1%, its influence on soil properties is of major significance. Even at low concentrations organic matter is the major substance facilitating soil aggregation and structural stability. These properties are mainly responsible for enhanced air and water relationships for root growth and in addition protect soils from wind and water erosion. The humic fraction of SOM causes the gradual darkening of soils, which increases their capacity to absorb heat and to warm rapidly in the spring.
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Smith, J.L., Elliott, L.F. (1990). Tillage and Residue Management Effects on Soil Organic Matter Dynamics in Semiarid Regions. In: Singh, R.P., Parr, J.F., Stewart, B.A. (eds) Advances in Soil Science. Advances in Soil Science, vol 13. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8982-8_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8982-8_4
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