There are a lot of factors that can make a change in OM levels but mainly is a fast OM consume and a low OM input (like manure). The best but slow way is to let a cover crop and grass, mower it with machine (to make a organic top soil), when the root start too grow to much it will decrase the cover crop yields, so give a good till (add some manure if you want) rotated or change the crop and start again.

Dr Emmanuel Rodriguez Rivera thank you for your contribution to the discussion

There are so many factors, affecting organic matter (OM) of the Soil. But OM basically affected by biological as well as climatic factors including interference of human activities also. From which some are beneficial and others have adverse effect for the soil health.

For example -

Burning of crop residues, use of Chemical Fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, fungicides, weedicides, opening of fields after ploughing, graging, high water & wind flow etc are some factors responsible for Decrement of OM . Although, it (OM) can be increased, if we

Stop the use of Chemical Fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, fungicides, weedicides etc and use biofertilizers, Vermicompost, bio-compost, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Green Manure etc into the soil system/fields for better crop yield.

Dr Om Prakash thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Organic matter plays a significant role in crop production and soil health by improving physical, chemical and biological functions in the soil. Increasing levels of organic matter aid in soil structure, water-holding capacity, nutrient mineralization, biological activity, and water and air infiltration rates. Inherent factors affecting soil organic matter include climate and soil texture and clay mineralogy. Climatic conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, and soil moisture and aeration affect the rate of organic matter decomposition. Rhizomes and litter function similarly to stubble and straw return, directly increasing organic matter in the soil, thus increasing the SOC content. Organic matter may be divided into aboveground and belowground fractions. Aboveground organic matter comprises plant residues and animal residues; belowground organic matter consists of living soil fauna and microflora, partially decomposed plant and animal residues, and humic substances.

Factors Affecting Organic Matter Levels in Soil

Organic matter plays a vital role in soil health and fertility. It affects various properties such as water holding capacity, nutrient availability, soil structure, and microbial activity. The level of organic matter in soil is influenced by several factors, both natural and human-induced.

Natural factors:

• Climate: Temperature and rainfall are major factors influencing organic matter decomposition rates. In warmer and wetter climates, decomposition occurs faster, leading to lower organic matter levels. Conversely, colder and drier climates favor slower decomposition and higher organic matter accumulation.📷Opens in a new window📷www.researchgate.netorganic matter decomposition in soil
• Soil texture: Soils with higher clay content tend to have higher organic matter levels compared to sandy soils. Clay particles protect organic matter from decomposition by forming aggregates and shielding it from microbial activity.📷www.familyhandyman.com📷Opens in a new windowchevron_rightsandy soil
• Topography: Organic matter tends to accumulate in depressions and low-lying areas due to the deposition of organic materials and reduced erosion.
• Salinity and acidity: Extreme soil pH (both acidic and alkaline) and high salinity can inhibit plant growth and reduce organic matter inputs, leading to lower levels.

Human-induced factors:

• Land use and management: Agricultural practices significantly impact organic matter levels. Tillage, for example, accelerates decomposition and can lead to depletion of organic matter. Conversely, practices like cover cropping, mulching, and compost application can increase organic matter levels.📷www.biocycle.net📷Opens in a new windowchevron_rightcompost application
• Fertilization: Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers can suppress microbial activity and reduce the rate of organic matter decomposition. However, balanced fertilization can promote plant growth and contribute to increased organic matter inputs.
• Erosion: Soil erosion removes organic matter along with soil particles, leading to lower levels.

Increasing Organic Matter Levels

There are several ways to increase organic matter levels in soil:

• Reduce tillage: Minimizing tillage disrupts the soil less, promoting microbial activity and organic matter accumulation.
• Plant cover crops: Cover crops provide a continuous source of organic matter, protect the soil from erosion, and improve soil structure.
• Apply compost or manure: Adding compost or manure directly adds organic matter to the soil and provides nutrients for plants and microbes.
• Mulch: Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil temperature, all of which favor organic matter accumulation.
• Use organic fertilizers: Organic fertilizers promote microbial activity and contribute to long-term organic matter buildup.
• Practice crop rotation: Rotating crops with different root structures helps diversify the soil microbial community and improve organic matter decomposition.
• Maintain soil pH: Maintaining a near-neutral soil pH (around 6.5) creates a favorable environment for microbial activity and organic matter decomposition.
• Control erosion: Implementing erosion control measures like terracing and contour planting reduces soil loss and helps retain organic matter.

By adopting these practices, farmers and gardeners can improve soil health, fertility, and productivity for sustainable land management.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Inherent factors affecting soil organic matter include climate and soil texture and clay mineralogy. Climatic conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, and soil moisture and aeration affect the rate of organic matter decomposition.Parent material is the starting point for most soil development. The parent material may be mineral rock and/or organic matter. When parent rock material is exposed to the atmosphere or when organic matter and/or minerals are deposited on the earth's surface, soil formation begins. Organic matter plays a significant role in crop production and soil health by improving physical, chemical and biological functions in the soil. Increasing levels of organic matter aid in soil structure, water-holding capacity, nutrient mineralization, biological activity, and water and air infiltration rates. Good organic amendments for soils include wood by-products such as sawdust and bark mulch, rotted manure, grass or wheat straw and compost. Inorganic amendments include pumice, perlite, vermiculite and sand. Any composted material that has been reduced to humus is a good soil amendment. Organic matter is important for better soil fertility and structure, and overall soil health. To increase organic matter levels you can: add organic materials like solid or liquid manures, plants or crop residues. reduce drainage or cultivation of soil to slow the decay of organic matter. Organic matter plays a significant role in crop production and soil health by improving physical, chemical and biological functions in the soil. Increasing levels of organic matter aid in soil structure, water-holding capacity, nutrient mineralization, biological activity, and water and air infiltration rates. Rhizomes and litter function similarly to stubble and straw return, directly increasing organic matter in the soil, thus increasing the SOC content.