Influence of Soil Organic Matter on Bulk Density and Available Water Capacity of Soils

The article addresses the influence of soil organic matter on bulk density and available water capacity of soils. Organic matter is not essential for plant growth, but its presence enhances soil biological, chemical and physical properties. Among the physical properties affected are bulk density and the amount of water held at field capacity and the permanent wilting point. These physical properties affect the available water capacity of soil. A study is presented to show the extent of change in soil bulk density and available water capacity of soils that could be expected from applications of organic residues and from changes in content and nature of soil organic matter.