SOIL ORGANIC MATTER

Soil organic matter is the heterogenous chemical and complex materials derived from plant and animal remains.it consists of decayed and decaying plant and animal materials which serves as reservoir for supplying nutrients.
It is composed of:
#1.Protein content
#2.Lignin content
#3.Ether and alcohol soluble constituent
#4.Cellulose
#5.Hemi-cellulose
#6.Water soluble constituent and fraction

The sources of organic matter are: below and above groound plant parts or biomass
ROLES OF ORGANIC MATTER
#1.It improves soil aeration
#2.It cements soil particles
#3.Makes nutrient available
#4.Supplies energy for microbial activities
#5.Regulates soil temperature
#6.Controls soil pH
#7.Reduces erosion
#8.Reduces leaching

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER
#1.It contains most chemical active part of soil.all chemical reactions taken place in the soil depends on organic matter
#2.It is the function of temperature and pH
#3.It declines with tillage operation,human activities,ploughing and harrowing
#4.Kaolinite does not have the ability to retain organic matter