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The Role of Organic Matter

Soils receiving weII decomposed organic manures have better soil aggregates than those receiving saw-dust and other types of not so easily decomposable organic wastes. The root hairs and exudates from roots together with sloughed off debris of the root cortex help in creating soil aggregates in the root zone which can be demonstrated by lifting a her­baceous plant carefully from soil.

Since organic matter decomposition in­volves microorganisms, the products of microbial growth such as gums rather than the quantity of organic matter added is the deciding factor in the improvement of soil structure. The complex polysaccharides of microbial origin are resistant to microbial attack.