Question

describe three different soil chemical or physical properties that are affected by soil organic matter content. In full detail explain how each soil characteristic is affected.

Answer 1

Soil organic matter content is responsible for soil's physical and chemical properties. And it is also important for soil's quality. It helps in carbon cycle because soil is one of the major carbon pool. It consists of living organisms, humus, decomposed organic matter and other fresh residues.

Properties affected by SOM:

1)ph of soil:

It measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil. The growth of plant depends on it. SOM content always neutralize as it buffers the soil pH change.

2) Cation exchange capacity of soil: it measures soils fertility by measuring it's ability to hold positive charge. SOM increases it and provides it capacity to hold nutrients like Sulfur, Nitrogen, other micro nutrients.

3) strength of soil: Soil organic matter helps in binding soil particles. And it helps soil in water holding capacity.