Why soil organic matter matters

摘要

Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, air, water and organic matter, including biological organisms that provide a medium for the growth of plants and provide habitat for soil biomes and larger animals. The ratio of all these things makes each soil unique and also determines how plants will respond in their growth and productive capacity.Soil fertility embraces all those factors that contribute to the long-term sustainable productivity of the soil. Organic matter content plays a key role in soil fertility as it assists to buffer pH, balance nutrient absorption and release, assists in maintaining soil structure and increases water availability. Vineyard soil management should aim to maintain or improve soil fertility in a manner that is compatible with other vineyard operations. Favourable soil conditions encourage healthy roots and hence healthy grapevines.