Soil is denominated as the superficial, biologically active part, of the earth´s crust that comes from the disintegration or chemical and physical changes of the rocks and the residues of the activities of living organisms that are built on it. (1)
It has been demonstrated that soil is “a living organism” even though it is not always treated as such, we usually exploit it without recovering it while we should be protecting and not forming suppressive soil.
Organic matter, plant and animal residue, is made of carbohydrates, lignin, and proteins. The amount of organic matter depends on the content of organic carbon captured in the soil while the carbon and nitrogen determine the relationship (C/N) that indicates the stability and availability of (N) as a nutrient for crops. Bio fumigation can take done if (O.M.) is incorporated with the (C/N) relationship in an adequate quantity.
Microorganisms decompose organic matter into carbon dioxide and humus, during this process, besides carbon, they can fix nitrogen in the soil. The organic matter and humus improve the structure and texture, help prevent erosion, improve the availability of nutrients and increase the capacity of water and nutrient retention in the soil.
The quantity of organic matter in the soil can vary with the years, it deteriorates or tends to disappear as a result of the inadequate agricultural practices that reduce the entry of fresh necromass (branches, dry leaves) that fall to the ground. (2)
The amount of organic matter contributed to the soil is very important, however it is even more important the diversity of sources that form it. It is ideal to have plants or residues of legumes, crucifers, grass and others in order to achieve a greater quantity of nutritious elements (extracted by the plants) and stimulate the developments of a greater number of species of efficient microorganism for the soil and plants. (3)
Bibliography
- https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suelo
- Rubier Rodas Henao, Agricultural engineer. Cali, Colombia. November 2017.
- Maikel García, 2019