ABSTRACT

The soil biological activity is impacted by the soil’s chemistry and physical structure. Likewise, the chemistry is impacted by other soil factors. The organic fraction represents a carbon, energy, and nutrient source for most soil organisms. As plant and animal residues are degraded by soil microbes, part of the organic material, along with organics synthesized by soil organisms, is transformed into soil humus. A major activity of the soil microbial community is the decomposition and transformation of organic residues into soil organic matter (SOM). There is evidence that management strategies influence not only the amount of SOM in the soil, but also how SOM is distributed in the various organic matter fractions. Differences in by products may have a profound impact on soil structure development. Aggregates are considered the primary unit of soil structure. Water-stable aggregation, therefore, becomes a key in maintaining soil structure, especially on the soil surface.