An organic substance has many functions in the soil. It also influences soil fertility. It improves the structure, stimulates workability, and increases the moisture-retaining capacity of the ground. It enhances the cation exchange capacity of the soil, allowing the soil to hold more cations such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The organic substance itself contains relevant minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, which become available after the organic substance decomposes.

What is the function of an organic substance?

An organic substance can absorb a lot of water and works as a buffer material through its absorption capacity, reducing nutrient leaching. During dry periods, the plant can easily absorb moisture from the organic substance. As a result, sandy soils with a high organic matter content are less susceptible to drought than humus-poor sandy soils. Nutrients from the organic substance are also released slowly.