Soil organic matter (SOM) is the organic matter component of soil. It can be divided into three general pools: living biomass of microorganisms, fresh and partially decomposed residues, and humus: the well-decomposed organic matter and highly stable organic material. Surface litter is generally not included as part of soil organic matter. ¹²

Humus

Main article: Humus

In stable soils, humus dominates the soil organic matter fraction. Thus most of the benefits and properties of soil organic matter relate specifically to humus.

See also

• Biotic material
• Natural organic matter

References

1. ^ Juma, N. G. 1999. Introduction to Soil Science and Soil Resources. Volume I in the Series "The Pedosphere and its Dynamics: A Systems Approach to Soil Science." Salman Productions, Sherwood Park. 335 pp.
2. ^ Glossary | NRCS SQ