Organic Matter Distribution in IN, MI, OH and PA:

The distribution plots are based on soil tests sent to us by tomato growers and collaborators and show the diversity of soil characteristics of this region. Percentage of farms falling in each range are listed above the distribution bars. Soils that are at lower or higher risk are indicated.

Organic matter affects positively the nutrient holding capacity of soil (CEC), the pool of nutrients available to the plant, the water holding capacity  and aggregation of the soil.  Increased organic matter helps diminish losses of plant-available nutrients due to leaching or fixation by inorganic colloids.

For more information on organic matter management click below:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC7402.html: a publication from the Extension service of the University of Minnesota with general information on soil organic matter.