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Role of Organic Matter in Soil Structure
Soils receiving well-decomposed organic manures have better soil aggregates than those receiving not so easily decomposable organic matter. The exudates of roots along with sloughed off debris of root cortex help in creating soil aggregates. Microbial products such as gums are the deciding factors in the improvement of soil structure. The complex polysaccharides of microbial origin are resistant to microbial attack. Among the carbohydrates isolated from soil, dextran containing high amounts of uronic acid which is resistant to microbial degradation has the best soil aggregating qualities.