Introduction

The availability of water is a crucial factor in determining plant growth and productivity. Organic matter is an essential component of soil that plays a critical role in regulating plant available water. In this article, we will explore how organic matter affects plant available water.

How Organic Matter Affects Plant Available Water

Organic matter improves soil structure, which in turn impacts the ability of plants to access water. The presence of organic matter increases the aggregate stability of soil, forming microspaces that allow water to infiltrate and form plant available water. Soil structure influences plant available water by affecting the water-holding capacity of soil. When soil aggregates are stabilized by organic matter, they create pore spaces that retain water and allow plants to access it when needed.

Organic matter also enhances the water retention capacity of soil, as it has a high water holding capacity itself. When organic matter decomposes, it releases humic acids that have a strong ability to bind to water molecules, increasing the soil's water-holding capacity. This leads to a higher water availability for plant uptake, which supports higher plant productivity.

Organic matter improves the water-use efficiency of plants by reducing the rate of water evaporation from the soil surface. The soil organic matter acts as a natural mulch, reducing water loss through evaporation from the soil surface, therefore increasing the amount of plant available water.

Other Benefits of Organic Matter

In addition to affecting plant available water, organic matter has other benefits that are vital for plant growth and productivity. Organic matter improves soil fertility by increasing the availability of essential nutrients for plant uptake. It is a source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential minerals required for plant development.

Organic matter enhances soil health and biodiversity by supporting microbial activity. Soil microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes feed on organic matter, breaking it down into nutrients that can be used by plants. Microbial activity in the soil also contributes to better soil structure formation, increasing the soil's water holding capacity and consequently plant available water.

Organic matter helps to mitigate climate change impacts by storing carbon in the soil. When plants take up carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, some of the carbon is sequestered into the soil in the form of organic matter. This helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.

Conclusion

Organic matter is vital for plant growth and productivity. Its role in regulating plant available water cannot be overemphasized. Organic matter improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and reduces water loss through evaporation, leading to a higher water availability for plant uptake. Apart from regulating plant available water, organic matter has other benefits, including improving soil fertility, supporting microbial activity, and mitigating climate change. Therefore, organic matter should be considered an essential component of healthy soil for optimum plant growth and productivity.