Importance of Soil Organic Matter (SOM) for Biomass Production and Environment (a review)

Abstract

The aim of sustainable agricultural land use is to reach high and rising crop yields and to minimise environmental pollution. Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a key role in maintaining soil productivity and also in protection of environment. At least two SOM fractions can be distinguished, one being relatively inert, the other being decomposable. High yields are only attainable on an environmentally acceptable way in combination of organic and mineral fertilization. The ranges for the optimal content of the decomposable organic carbon is between 0.2 and 0.6% and that of nitrogen 0.02 and 0.06%. The hot water extractable carbon has proved to be an appropriate criterion for the characterisation of the decomposable carbon. When considering the current state of knowledge consistently, the use of mineral fertiliser has a positive effect on the environment and supports a considerable gain of energy by the cultivated crops. Too high humus content in soil can contribute to environmental pollution. Between organic carbon content and soil physical properties there is nearly functional relation.

Keywords:

• Soil Organic Matter
• Environment
• Long-term Fertilization Experiments
• Carbon
• Nitrogen