Jan 04, 2016
Benefits of Organic MatterBenefits of Organic Matter
Nutrient SupplyNutrient Supply
Each percent of organic matter releasesEach percent of organic matter releases
20 to 30 pounds of nitrogen20 to 30 pounds of nitrogen
4.5 to 6 pounds phosphorus4.5 to 6 pounds phosphorus
2 to 3 pounds sulfur2 to 3 pounds sulfur
1.
Managing Cover Crops Profitably Third Edition
Water Holding CapacityOrganic matter act like a sponge. It will hold up to 90% of its weight in water.
Soil Structure Aggregation
Organic matter causes soil to form aggregates which helps with water infiltration.
Erosion PreventionIncreasing soil organic matter from 1 to 3 percent can reduce Erosion by 20 to 30 percent because of water infiltration.
2.
3.
4.
Pla
nt
Nit
rog
en
, lb
/ac
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Len
til
Can
ola
Can
ola
/Len
til
Can
ola
/Cow
pea
Can
ola
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Rad
ish
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Tu
rnip
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Pla
nt
Dry
Wt,
lb
/ac
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
No C
over
Cro
p
Len
til
Can
ola
Cow
pea
Can
ola
/Len
til
Can
ola
/Cow
pea
Can
ola
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Rad
ish
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Tu
rnip
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Nitrogen
No Nitrogen
Gra
in Y
ield
, b
u/a
c
130
140
150
160
170
180
No C
over
Cro
p
Len
til
Can
ola
Cow
pea
Can
ola
/Len
til
Can
ola
/Cow
pea
Can
ola
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Rad
ish
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Tu
rnip
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Nitrogen
No Nitrogen
Gra
in P
rote
in,
%
Nitrogen
No Nitrogen
5
6
7
8
9
10
No C
over
Cro
p
Len
til
Can
ola
Cow
pea
Can
ola
/Len
til
Can
ola
/Cow
pea
Can
ola
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Rad
ish
/Cow
pea/L
en
til
Tu
rnip
/Cow
pea/L
en
til