Summary
Published in Advances in Agronomy (2012), this comprehensive narrative review by Fageria synthesises the scientific literature on the functions of soil organic matter in maintaining soil fertility. It covers SOM's roles in nutrient retention and supply, soil physical structure, water-holding capacity, and biological activity, as well as the consequences of SOM depletion under intensive cultivation. The review likely discusses management strategies — such as cover cropping, organic amendments, and reduced tillage — that support SOM accumulation and long-term soil productivity.
UK applicability
Although the review is global in scope and draws on evidence from diverse climatic and soil contexts, its principles are directly applicable to UK arable and mixed farming systems, where SOM decline under intensive tillage is a recognised challenge and is addressed within agri-environment schemes and the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
Key measures
Soil organic matter content (%); cation exchange capacity (cmol/kg); nutrient availability (N, P, K cycling rates); microbial biomass; crop yield responses to SOM management
Outcomes reported
The review examines how soil organic matter (SOM) influences key soil fertility parameters including nutrient cycling, cation exchange capacity, soil structure, microbial activity, and crop productivity. It likely synthesises evidence on management practices that build or deplete SOM across diverse agricultural systems.
Topic tags
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