Soil Health Bucket Guided Notes Lesson 2

Lesson 2

Soil Organic Matter

Prairie soils have more organic material added to the soil than forest soils because of vegetation

Soil aeration: more oxygen in the soil speeds up the decomposition process

Organic matter decomposes more quickly in warm and humid climates than cool dry climates

Vegetation

Soil texture

Climate

• Use of conservation cropping systems
• Diverse crop rotations, solid manure, high residue crops, grasses, or perennial plants properly grazed or hayed help improve organic matter

• Reduce or eliminate tillage
• Tillage exposes the organic matter to the air and can result in the reduction of stable organic matter

• Reduce erosion
• When soil erodes, organic matter goes with it

• Soil-test and fertilize properly
• Proper fertilization encourages root growth for more organic matter in the soil

• Use of perennial forages
• Provides for annual die back and regrowth of plants

Soil Organic Matter Management

Factors Affecting Soil Organic Matter

Lesson 2: Soil Organic Matter

Soil Organic Matter

or

Erosion Prevention

Erosion is reduced because water infiltration and soil stability are increased

Soil Aggregation

Improved soil aggregation improves soil structure

Organic matter has the ability to hold up to 90 percent of its weightin water

Water-Holding Capacity

As organisms decompose, nutrients are released in a plant usable form

Nutrient Supply

Benefits of Soil Organic Matter

Lesson 2: Soil Organic Matter

Soil Organic Matter

SOIL COLOR CHART

The provides an estimate of the amount of organic matter in the soil.

RANGE:

Average:

1.5%

1 - 2%

2%

1.5 - 2.5%

2.5%

2 - 3%

3.5%

2.5 - 4%

5%

3.5 - 7%

Lesson 2: Soil Organic Matter

Soil Organic Matter

Lesson 2: Soil Organic Matter

Soil Organic Matter

Strong sunlight may cause these colors to fade slightly.

University of Illinois Soil Color Chart