Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity

Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity

Author: D. Vaughan

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 475

ISBN-13: 9400951051

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

It has long been recognized that soil organic matter is the key to soil fertility. As a nutrient store it gradually provides essential elements which the soil cannot retain for long in inorganic form. It buffers growing plants against sudden changes in their chemical environment and preserves moisture in times of drought. It keeps the soil in a friable, easily penetrated physical condition, well-aerated and free draining, providing young seedlings with an excellent medium for growth. But it has another property, the nature and extent of which have been the subject of argu ment and controversy ever since scientists began to study the soil, and that is its ability to affect growth directly, other than by providing nutrient elements. Any one wishing to learn about these effects has been faced with a daunting mass of literature, some confusing, often contradictory, and spread through a multitude of journals. Individual aspects have been covered from time to time in reviews but there has obviously been a need for a modern authoritative text book dealing with the many facets of this subject, so the publication of this volume is timely. The editors and authors are all specialists in their fields, fully familiar with the com plex nature of soil organic matter and with the particular difficulties arising in any study of its properties. Where controversies exist they have presented all sides of the argument and have highlighted areas where further work is badly needed.


Book Synopsis Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity by : D. Vaughan

Download or read book Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity written by D. Vaughan and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 475 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It has long been recognized that soil organic matter is the key to soil fertility. As a nutrient store it gradually provides essential elements which the soil cannot retain for long in inorganic form. It buffers growing plants against sudden changes in their chemical environment and preserves moisture in times of drought. It keeps the soil in a friable, easily penetrated physical condition, well-aerated and free draining, providing young seedlings with an excellent medium for growth. But it has another property, the nature and extent of which have been the subject of argu ment and controversy ever since scientists began to study the soil, and that is its ability to affect growth directly, other than by providing nutrient elements. Any one wishing to learn about these effects has been faced with a daunting mass of literature, some confusing, often contradictory, and spread through a multitude of journals. Individual aspects have been covered from time to time in reviews but there has obviously been a need for a modern authoritative text book dealing with the many facets of this subject, so the publication of this volume is timely. The editors and authors are all specialists in their fields, fully familiar with the com plex nature of soil organic matter and with the particular difficulties arising in any study of its properties. Where controversies exist they have presented all sides of the argument and have highlighted areas where further work is badly needed.


Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity

Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity

Author: D. Vaughan

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 1985-07-31

Total Pages: 492

ISBN-13: 9789024731541

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Soil organic matter - a perspective on its nature, extraction, turnover and role soil fertility. Influence of humic substances on growth and physiological processes. Influence of humic subtances on biochemical processes in plants. Phenolic acids in soils and their influence on plant growth and soil microbial processes. Origin, nature and biological activity of aliphatic substances and growth hormones found in soil. Soil enzymes. The soil biomass. Carbohydrates in relation to soil fertility. Soil nitrogen: its extraction, distribution and dynamics. Soil phosphorus. Sulphur in soils and plants. Organic matter and trace elements in soils. Organic farming.


Book Synopsis Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity by : D. Vaughan

Download or read book Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity written by D. Vaughan and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 1985-07-31 with total page 492 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Soil organic matter - a perspective on its nature, extraction, turnover and role soil fertility. Influence of humic substances on growth and physiological processes. Influence of humic subtances on biochemical processes in plants. Phenolic acids in soils and their influence on plant growth and soil microbial processes. Origin, nature and biological activity of aliphatic substances and growth hormones found in soil. Soil enzymes. The soil biomass. Carbohydrates in relation to soil fertility. Soil nitrogen: its extraction, distribution and dynamics. Soil phosphorus. Sulphur in soils and plants. Organic matter and trace elements in soils. Organic farming.


Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity

Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity

Author: Elouise Kunde

Publisher:

Published: 2018

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781684699377

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity by : Elouise Kunde

Download or read book Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity written by Elouise Kunde and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


The Importance of Soil Organic Matter

The Importance of Soil Organic Matter

Author: Alexandra Bot

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 9789251053669

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Soil organic matter - the product of on-site biological decomposition - affects the chemical and physical properties of the soil and its overall health. Its composition and breakdown rate affect: the soil structure and porosity; the water infiltration rate and moisture holding capacity of soils; the diversity and biological activity of soil organisms; and plant nutrient availability. This document concentrates on the organic matter dynamics of cropping soils and discusses the circumstances that deplete organic matter and their negative outcomes. It then moves on to more proactive solutions. It reviews a "basket" of practices in order to show how they can increase organic matter content and discusses the land and cropping benefits that then accrue.--Publisher's description.


Book Synopsis The Importance of Soil Organic Matter by : Alexandra Bot

Download or read book The Importance of Soil Organic Matter written by Alexandra Bot and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2005 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Soil organic matter - the product of on-site biological decomposition - affects the chemical and physical properties of the soil and its overall health. Its composition and breakdown rate affect: the soil structure and porosity; the water infiltration rate and moisture holding capacity of soils; the diversity and biological activity of soil organisms; and plant nutrient availability. This document concentrates on the organic matter dynamics of cropping soils and discusses the circumstances that deplete organic matter and their negative outcomes. It then moves on to more proactive solutions. It reviews a "basket" of practices in order to show how they can increase organic matter content and discusses the land and cropping benefits that then accrue.--Publisher's description.


Soil Organic Matter

Soil Organic Matter

Author: Robert L. Tate

Publisher: Wiley-Interscience

Published: 1987-01-19

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This timely volume provides a basic introduction to the biological aspects of soil organic matter. With rapidly increasing societal demands on the soil ecosystem and the current recognition that the pools of organic matter in agricultural soils are declining, we have come to realize the essential function that soil organic matter performs in the ecosystem. The author shows how, in many cases, the total nature and longevity of the the entire ecosystem are controlled by the chemical, biological, and physical properties of the soil organic matter pool. Covers fauna, microbes, and enzymes in the soil; organic matter transformation and humification; mathematical modeling; ecosystem management, and much more.


Book Synopsis Soil Organic Matter by : Robert L. Tate

Download or read book Soil Organic Matter written by Robert L. Tate and published by Wiley-Interscience. This book was released on 1987-01-19 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This timely volume provides a basic introduction to the biological aspects of soil organic matter. With rapidly increasing societal demands on the soil ecosystem and the current recognition that the pools of organic matter in agricultural soils are declining, we have come to realize the essential function that soil organic matter performs in the ecosystem. The author shows how, in many cases, the total nature and longevity of the the entire ecosystem are controlled by the chemical, biological, and physical properties of the soil organic matter pool. Covers fauna, microbes, and enzymes in the soil; organic matter transformation and humification; mathematical modeling; ecosystem management, and much more.


Soil Organic Matter

Soil Organic Matter

Author: M. M. Kononova

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2013-10-02

Total Pages: 545

ISBN-13: 1483185680

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Soil Organic Matter: Its Nature, Its Role in Soil Formation and in Soil Fertility focuses on the contributions of soil organic matter in soil formation and fertility, including weathering, decomposition, and synthesis of humus substances. The publication first elaborates on the main stages in the history of soil humus study and ideas on the composition of soil organic matter and nature of humus substances. Discussions focus on organic substances of individual nature, strictly humus substances in soil organic matter, and humus substances as a complex of high molecular- weight compounds. The text then examines the biochemistry of humus formation, including the role of physical, chemical, and biological factors, origin of humus substances, possible participation of lignin in the formation of humus substances, and the role of oxidizing enzymes in the synthesis of humus substances. The manuscript takes a look at the importance of organic matter in soil formation and soil fertility and the natural factors of humus formation. Topics include the role of organic matter in the weathering and decomposition of soil minerals; role of organic matter in the formation of soil structure; effect of organic matter on the growth and development of plants; and influence of chemical and physicochemical soil properties on humus formation. The publication is a dependable source material for readers interested in the influence of soil organic matter in soil formation and fertility.


Book Synopsis Soil Organic Matter by : M. M. Kononova

Download or read book Soil Organic Matter written by M. M. Kononova and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2013-10-02 with total page 545 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Soil Organic Matter: Its Nature, Its Role in Soil Formation and in Soil Fertility focuses on the contributions of soil organic matter in soil formation and fertility, including weathering, decomposition, and synthesis of humus substances. The publication first elaborates on the main stages in the history of soil humus study and ideas on the composition of soil organic matter and nature of humus substances. Discussions focus on organic substances of individual nature, strictly humus substances in soil organic matter, and humus substances as a complex of high molecular- weight compounds. The text then examines the biochemistry of humus formation, including the role of physical, chemical, and biological factors, origin of humus substances, possible participation of lignin in the formation of humus substances, and the role of oxidizing enzymes in the synthesis of humus substances. The manuscript takes a look at the importance of organic matter in soil formation and soil fertility and the natural factors of humus formation. Topics include the role of organic matter in the weathering and decomposition of soil minerals; role of organic matter in the formation of soil structure; effect of organic matter on the growth and development of plants; and influence of chemical and physicochemical soil properties on humus formation. The publication is a dependable source material for readers interested in the influence of soil organic matter in soil formation and fertility.


Soil Biology and Land Management

Soil Biology and Land Management

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 20

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Soil Biology and Land Management by :

Download or read book Soil Biology and Land Management written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Soil Organic Matter and Soil Function - Review of the Literature and Underlying Data

Soil Organic Matter and Soil Function - Review of the Literature and Underlying Data

Author: Brian William Murphy

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A review has been undertaken into how soil organic matter affects a range of soil properties that are important for the productive capacity of the soils. The potential effect of varying the amount of soil organic matter in soil on a range of individual soil properties was investigated using a literature search of published information largely from Australia, but also including relevant information from overseas. The soil properties considered included aggregate stability, bulk density, water holding capacity, soil erodibility, soil thermal properties, soil colour, soil strength, compaction characteristics, friability, nutrient cycling, cation exchange capacity, soil acidity and buffering capacity, capacity to form ligands and complexes, salinity and the interaction of soil organic matter with soil biology. Overall this review concentrated on the soil physical properties and results from some of the field studies on soil organic matter and soil properties and so is intended to compliment the earlier review by Krull et al (2004) and another on the role of soil carbon in nutrient cycling (Macdonald and Baldock 2010). Some conclusions on the effects of soil organic matter on several soil properties were made. Soil organic matter had clear effects on water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, aggregate stability and buffering capacity to acidification. Soil organic matter also had a definite effect on the compaction and strength characteristics of soils which in combination with friability can determine how the soil responds to traffic and tillage. Soil organic matter was an important factor in providing a nutrient supply and in nutrient cycling, especially of nitrogen, but also of significant proportions of phosphorus and sulphur and other micronutrients. The relative importance of soil organic matter to provide certain functions in soils varied with texture, with soil organic matter generally being more critical in soils with lower clay contents. Different soil organic fractions had different properties and varied in their importance for different soil properties. While data was generally lacking, it appears that the humus fraction is more important for the functions requiring chemical activity such as cation exchange capacity and pH buffering capacity and the particulate organic carbon is more important for aggregate stability of the larger aggregates, the rapid recycling of nutrients and as a food and energy source for the soil microbial population. The level of soil organic matter and the levels of certain factions can influence the biological activity and microorganisms in the soil. The development of new methodologies such as the measurement of microbial biomass, substrate analysis, phospholipid analysis, DNA analysis and enzyme evaluation has given improved insight into many of the biological processes in soils. This has shown that land management and even different plants or crops can change the biological populations. However, a more complete understanding of the overall effect some of these changes can have on overall productivity and nutrient cycling requires a higher level of understanding then is currently available. There were some values for the levels of soil organic carbon required to maintain the soil properties in a functional form and the value of 2% soil organic carbon occurred a number of times as a useful guide. One important conclusion is that by increasing soil organic matter it is possible to improve several soil properties simultaneously and so have a cumulative effect on productivity. A final part of the review was to consider the capacity of the dry land agricultural systems to achieve levels of soil organic matter that could improve soil properties. This was done using soil carbon data from across Australia from a range of sources including the National Soil Carbon Project. In general there was a percentage of soils that had soil organic carbon levels sufficiently low as to affect soil properties. These also seemed to occur in areas where available land management practices could increase the levels of soil organic carbon above the measured levels and so there is a potential to improve productivity in these areas by increasing levels of soil organic carbon. A large proportion of the soils also had higher levels of soil organic carbon which although not ideal for soil properties, could be more difficult to increase under standard land management systems. A small percentage of soils had high levels and probably indicate what is possible under the more specialised land management systems. One conclusion was that for many soils, increases in soil organic matter have the capacity to strongly influence only the surface soils, perhaps only the top 10 cms and the top 20 cms at most. This limits the capacity of soil organic matter to influence soil productivity. Even so the top 10 to 20 cm is a critical zone for the soil. It is the interface where seeds are sown, germinate and emerge. It is where a large proportion of plant materials are added to the soil for decomposition and the recycling of nutrients and where the rainfall either enters the soil or runs off. So the potential to improve soil condition in the top 10 to 20 cm is still critical for plant productivity. A deficiency in the studies on the effects of soil organic matter on soil properties and productivity is the need to consider the impact of soil organic matter across a wide range of seasons and soil types. The means to address this deficiency is perhaps a program of applying biophysical models using the known effects of soil organic matter on the soil properties.


Book Synopsis Soil Organic Matter and Soil Function - Review of the Literature and Underlying Data by : Brian William Murphy

Download or read book Soil Organic Matter and Soil Function - Review of the Literature and Underlying Data written by Brian William Murphy and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A review has been undertaken into how soil organic matter affects a range of soil properties that are important for the productive capacity of the soils. The potential effect of varying the amount of soil organic matter in soil on a range of individual soil properties was investigated using a literature search of published information largely from Australia, but also including relevant information from overseas. The soil properties considered included aggregate stability, bulk density, water holding capacity, soil erodibility, soil thermal properties, soil colour, soil strength, compaction characteristics, friability, nutrient cycling, cation exchange capacity, soil acidity and buffering capacity, capacity to form ligands and complexes, salinity and the interaction of soil organic matter with soil biology. Overall this review concentrated on the soil physical properties and results from some of the field studies on soil organic matter and soil properties and so is intended to compliment the earlier review by Krull et al (2004) and another on the role of soil carbon in nutrient cycling (Macdonald and Baldock 2010). Some conclusions on the effects of soil organic matter on several soil properties were made. Soil organic matter had clear effects on water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, aggregate stability and buffering capacity to acidification. Soil organic matter also had a definite effect on the compaction and strength characteristics of soils which in combination with friability can determine how the soil responds to traffic and tillage. Soil organic matter was an important factor in providing a nutrient supply and in nutrient cycling, especially of nitrogen, but also of significant proportions of phosphorus and sulphur and other micronutrients. The relative importance of soil organic matter to provide certain functions in soils varied with texture, with soil organic matter generally being more critical in soils with lower clay contents. Different soil organic fractions had different properties and varied in their importance for different soil properties. While data was generally lacking, it appears that the humus fraction is more important for the functions requiring chemical activity such as cation exchange capacity and pH buffering capacity and the particulate organic carbon is more important for aggregate stability of the larger aggregates, the rapid recycling of nutrients and as a food and energy source for the soil microbial population. The level of soil organic matter and the levels of certain factions can influence the biological activity and microorganisms in the soil. The development of new methodologies such as the measurement of microbial biomass, substrate analysis, phospholipid analysis, DNA analysis and enzyme evaluation has given improved insight into many of the biological processes in soils. This has shown that land management and even different plants or crops can change the biological populations. However, a more complete understanding of the overall effect some of these changes can have on overall productivity and nutrient cycling requires a higher level of understanding then is currently available. There were some values for the levels of soil organic carbon required to maintain the soil properties in a functional form and the value of 2% soil organic carbon occurred a number of times as a useful guide. One important conclusion is that by increasing soil organic matter it is possible to improve several soil properties simultaneously and so have a cumulative effect on productivity. A final part of the review was to consider the capacity of the dry land agricultural systems to achieve levels of soil organic matter that could improve soil properties. This was done using soil carbon data from across Australia from a range of sources including the National Soil Carbon Project. In general there was a percentage of soils that had soil organic carbon levels sufficiently low as to affect soil properties. These also seemed to occur in areas where available land management practices could increase the levels of soil organic carbon above the measured levels and so there is a potential to improve productivity in these areas by increasing levels of soil organic carbon. A large proportion of the soils also had higher levels of soil organic carbon which although not ideal for soil properties, could be more difficult to increase under standard land management systems. A small percentage of soils had high levels and probably indicate what is possible under the more specialised land management systems. One conclusion was that for many soils, increases in soil organic matter have the capacity to strongly influence only the surface soils, perhaps only the top 10 cms and the top 20 cms at most. This limits the capacity of soil organic matter to influence soil productivity. Even so the top 10 to 20 cm is a critical zone for the soil. It is the interface where seeds are sown, germinate and emerge. It is where a large proportion of plant materials are added to the soil for decomposition and the recycling of nutrients and where the rainfall either enters the soil or runs off. So the potential to improve soil condition in the top 10 to 20 cm is still critical for plant productivity. A deficiency in the studies on the effects of soil organic matter on soil properties and productivity is the need to consider the impact of soil organic matter across a wide range of seasons and soil types. The means to address this deficiency is perhaps a program of applying biophysical models using the known effects of soil organic matter on the soil properties.


Experiments in Soil Biology and Biochemistry

Experiments in Soil Biology and Biochemistry

Author: Fran Russell & Danni Gilmore

Publisher: Scientific e-Resources

Published: 2018-08-14

Total Pages: 372

ISBN-13: 1839471778

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Soil science is the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the Earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils. Soil biology is the study of microbial and faunal activity and ecology in soil. Soil life, soil biota and soil fauna are collective terms that encompasses all organisms that spend a significant portion of their life cycle within a soil profile, or at the soil-litter interface. Soils are rich ecosystems, composed of both living and non-living matter with a multitude of interaction between them. Soils play an important role in all of our natural ecological cycles. They also provide benefits through their contribution in a number of additional processes, called ecosystem services. These services range from waste decomposition to acting as a water filtration system to degrading environmental contaminants. Soil biochemistry is one of the branches of soil science dealing with the formation and decomposition of soil organic matter, biochemical reactions of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, metals and xenobiotic in soils, and biochemistry of the plant-root rhizosphere. The book will suit to the needs of students, teachers, scholars and general readers.


Book Synopsis Experiments in Soil Biology and Biochemistry by : Fran Russell & Danni Gilmore

Download or read book Experiments in Soil Biology and Biochemistry written by Fran Russell & Danni Gilmore and published by Scientific e-Resources. This book was released on 2018-08-14 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Soil science is the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the Earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils. Soil biology is the study of microbial and faunal activity and ecology in soil. Soil life, soil biota and soil fauna are collective terms that encompasses all organisms that spend a significant portion of their life cycle within a soil profile, or at the soil-litter interface. Soils are rich ecosystems, composed of both living and non-living matter with a multitude of interaction between them. Soils play an important role in all of our natural ecological cycles. They also provide benefits through their contribution in a number of additional processes, called ecosystem services. These services range from waste decomposition to acting as a water filtration system to degrading environmental contaminants. Soil biochemistry is one of the branches of soil science dealing with the formation and decomposition of soil organic matter, biochemical reactions of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, metals and xenobiotic in soils, and biochemistry of the plant-root rhizosphere. The book will suit to the needs of students, teachers, scholars and general readers.


Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture

Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture

Author: Fred Magdoff

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2004-05-27

Total Pages: 411

ISBN-13: 020349637X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Recognition of the importance of soil organic matter (SOM) in soil health and quality is a major part of fostering a holistic, preventive approach to agricultural management. Students in agronomy, horticulture, and soil science need a textbook that emphasizes strategies for using SOM management in the prevention of chemical, biological, and physical problems. Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture gathers key scientific reviews concerning issues that are critical for successful SOM management. This textbook contains evaluations of the types of organic soil constituents—organisms, fresh residues, and well-decomposed substances. It explores the beneficial effects of organic matter on soil and the various practices that enhance SOM. Chapters include an examination of the results of crop management practices on soil organisms, organic matter gains and losses, the significance of various SOM fractions, and the contributions of fungi and earthworms to soil quality and crop growth. Emphasizing the prevention of imbalances that lead to soil and crop problems, the text also explores the development of soils suppressive to plant diseases and pests, and relates SOM management to the supply of nutrients to crops. This book provides the essential scientific background and poses the challenging questions that students need to better understand SOM and develop improved soil and crop management systems.


Book Synopsis Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture by : Fred Magdoff

Download or read book Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture written by Fred Magdoff and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2004-05-27 with total page 411 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recognition of the importance of soil organic matter (SOM) in soil health and quality is a major part of fostering a holistic, preventive approach to agricultural management. Students in agronomy, horticulture, and soil science need a textbook that emphasizes strategies for using SOM management in the prevention of chemical, biological, and physical problems. Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture gathers key scientific reviews concerning issues that are critical for successful SOM management. This textbook contains evaluations of the types of organic soil constituents—organisms, fresh residues, and well-decomposed substances. It explores the beneficial effects of organic matter on soil and the various practices that enhance SOM. Chapters include an examination of the results of crop management practices on soil organisms, organic matter gains and losses, the significance of various SOM fractions, and the contributions of fungi and earthworms to soil quality and crop growth. Emphasizing the prevention of imbalances that lead to soil and crop problems, the text also explores the development of soils suppressive to plant diseases and pests, and relates SOM management to the supply of nutrients to crops. This book provides the essential scientific background and poses the challenging questions that students need to better understand SOM and develop improved soil and crop management systems.