Chemical Nature of Organic Matter

Chemical Nature of Organic Matter

Chemical Nature of Organic Matter
Soil organic matter comprises the residues of plants and animals at all stages of decomposition mediated by soil microorganisms. Composition of soil organic matter varies with the type of vegetation, nature of soil and its drainage, rainfall, temperature, etc. These components occur in soil in close combination with inorganic substances.

They are chiefly made of complex carbohydrates, simple sugars, starch, hemicellulose, pectins, gums, mucilage, protein, fats, oils, waxes, alcohol, aldehydes, organic acids, lignin, hydrocarbons, phenols, etc.

The plant residues may be classified under three major chemical groups¾polysaccharides, lignin and proteins. Thus sources of organic matter are forest plants (fallen leaves), dead plants and roots, insects and dead animals.

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