Inorganic Material Importance
Inorganic compounds are not carbon-based and include minerals, sand, silt, clay, rock, gases and water to name a few.
The inorganic component of soil gives it structure. Soil structure is classified by the percentages of sand, silt and clay. This gives the soil stability, drainage and will determine nutrient availability. Classifications of soil determine the soil type and therefore the quality of the soil. The soil type is an easy “yardstick” to determine just how good plants will grow and thrive in that soil medium.
The inorganic component of soil also includes macronutrients (calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus) and micronutrients (iron, sulfur, manganese, copper and boron). Macronutrients are needed in large quantities and micronutrients are needed in smaller quantities yet still required and necessary for plant growth and development.
Organic Material Importance
Organic matter (organic composition of the soil i.e. the amount of compost in the soil) is so important to the overall benefits of the soil it is part of a standard soil test. pH (acid or basic), P (phosphorus), K (potassium) and OM (organic matter) are the absolute bare essential tests needed to determine soil fertility.
The benefits of organic matter (composted materials in the soil) include:
- an excellent source of nutrients
- lends to biological functions (aerobic and anaerobic)
- allow for increased water holding capacity
- soil structure
- erosion control.
Nutrient Supply and Biological Function
Organic matter enhances the biological diversity and therefore biological activity in the soil. The decomposing plant and animal material is an excellent nutrient source for living microorganisms. Microorganism activity increases with increased organic matter causing greater amounts of nutrients to be cycled from their organic form to their inorganic forms. It is the inorganic form that is now plant available. Bottom Line: More organic matter, more microorganism activity, more plant available nutrients.
Soil Structure and Water Holding Capacity and Erosion Control
Organic matter helps stabilize the soil structure by forming bonds between the soil particles. As a result of this enhanced soil structure, the soil is able to absorb and retain water. Soils having higher organic matter content can store higher quantities of water. It not only retains this water but gives it up freely to the plant when needed. The plant’s available nutrients (made possible by the abundant microorganism activity in the organic matter) are dissolved in the water and are absorbed by the plant.
The increased soil particle stability due to the increased organic matter also reduces the potential for erosion. Less erosion and less water loss means less loss of nutrients.
Organic matter (compost) therefore plays a significant role in soil health and ultimately healthy plant growth. The amount of organic matter (compost) in the soil or growing medium often determines the success or failure of the plant.
Precision Organic’s team are keen to share their knowledge and are available internationally for talks and other educational opportunities. Our Press Page lists some of our recent appearances. You can also keep a breast of what we are currently working on by following our Linked In page, and many of our team have personal Linked In profiles too.
