Soil organic matter and microbiome

Question 1

examples of organic matter

Answer 1

crop residue
Particulate organic carbon (solid or in solution)
Humus, dark organic portion if soil from plant and animal decomp
resistant organic carbon (charcoal)

Question 2

Functions of SOM

Answer 2

Increases CEC
improves soil structure
improves water holding
increases microbial activity
serves as a nutrient reservoir

influences nutrient cycling

Question 3

Soil Microbiome and microorganisms contribution to soil processes and what this depends on

Answer 3

Decompose organic matter
Nutrient cycling, N,P, and S transformations
suppression of soil-borne pathogens

Microbial activity is dependent on moisture, temperature, pH and SOM