OBJECTIVE FORESTRY

Detailed explanation-1: -Plant exudates and microbial byproducts-both considered active organic matter-can be sticky substances that help soil particles hold together to form and stabilize aggregates. This organic matter “glue” directly helps soil develop and maintain aggregate structure.

Detailed explanation-2: -For example, glomalin, a protein produced by fungi, acts as a “soil glue” to create stable soil aggregates. The gluing of soil particles together into aggregates helps maintain pores and channels in the soil for air and water to enter and move through it.

Detailed explanation-3: -The soil protein, named glomalin [pronounced GLOM-uh-lin], is unusual in its strength as a glue and in its ubiquity in soils. Glomalin was discovered and named by Sara E. Wright, a soil microbiologist with the Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Md.

Detailed explanation-4: -organic matter content of the soil. Most soil organic matter originates from plant tissue. Plant residues contain 60-90 percent moisture. The remaining dry matter consists of carbon (C), oxygen, hydrogen (H) and small amounts of sulphur (S), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).

Detailed explanation-5: -Organic mulches, including tree leaves, grass clippings, straw, wood bark, and wood chips, decompose and contribute to soil organic matter. Using organic materials available from your yard or neighboring yards keeps them out of landfills and recycles nutrients from plants to soil and back to plants.