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Organic Matter Improves Water Flow in Soil

Posted on: Saturday, 17 September 2005, 21:00 CDT

Q. What is the role of organic matter in the soil?

A. In anticipation of fall planting, we should be preparing the soil, the foundation of the garden, to receive and support the plants weve chosen.

Piedmont soils tend to be heavy and compact, clay-rich and somewhat acidic. Although soils store abundant water attached to the clay mineral structure, they do not readily release it and may act as barriers to water flow to the plants. The soils may also be deficient in nutrients.

Organic matter may be applied in the form of compost or amended soil and mixed with the soil to improve the soil structure so that water may move through the soil more easily, yet still be retained to nourish the plant. The soil must have water and air available at the same time and most of the time for the plants to survive.

Organic matter supplies many of the nutrients that plants need, so that mixing it with the soil not only improves and regulates water supply, it also makes nutrients more readily available to the plants.

Compost is thoroughly decayed organic material, such that original plant structure is not readily recognizable. It can be made in the home garden or purchased. Mulch is a cover, organic or inorganic, that the gardener applies over the soil in the garden.

Both help to regulate temperature and water movement through the soil, but the compost contributes to soil structure and nutrient availability, and mulch helps control soil temperature and erosion.

Questions are answered by Master Gardener volunteers with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. Send e-mail to mgvmail@netscape.net; call mornings at 375-5876; or write to 3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro, NC 27405.

Source: Greensboro News Record

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