The success or failure of the organic approach depends on how gardeners use and prepare organic matter. Organic matter improves soil tilth and prevents soil compaction and crusting. It increases the water-holding ability of the soil and provides a more favorable soil environment for earthworms and beneficial
microorganisms. It slows erosion, and in later stages of decay, organic matter releases nitrogen and other nutrients to growing crops. Carbon dioxide from decaying organic matter brings minerals of the soil into solution, making them available to growing plants. Many soils of the world have been ruined, mainly because they have been depleted of organic matter from prolonged cultivation without proper soil management.
6 Page(s)
Contents:
- Sources of organic matter
- Organic vs. inorganic or synthetic fertilizers
- Sources of organic fertilizers
- Sources of inorganic fertilizers
- Adjusting soil acidity
- Disease control methods
- Controlling insects
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Published by: MU EXTENSION, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA
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