Soil Organic Matter — FarmPal
The percentage of decomposed plant and animal material in soil. Foundation of soil health.
Ideal Range
3-6% for agricultural soils; higher for garden beds. Any increase is beneficial.
How to Test
Lab soil test (loss on ignition method). For rough estimate, compare color to reference charts.
Improvement Strategies
- •Add compost annually (1/4 to 1/2 inch)
- •Keep living roots in soil year-round with cover crops
- •Reduce tillage to preserve organic matter
- •Return crop residues to soil
- •Integrate animals for manure input
- •Plant perennials which add more root carbon