ABSTRACT
Soil organic matter (SOM) is considered one of the most important components of soil quality (Larson and Pierce, 1991) and has long been recognized as a key component of terrestrial ecosystems. It is the primary source of energy for the flora and fauna found in the soil and an important source of inorganic nutrients for plant growth. In addition, SOM is responsible for rendering the physical environment of soil suitable for plant growth, primarily through its effects on soil aggregation, which, in turn, affects water infiltration and storage, drainage, and root penetration (Allison, 1973).
