An organic substance has many functions in the soil. It also influences soil fertility. It improves the structure, stimulates workability, and increases the soil's water retention capability. It increases the cation exchange capacity of the soil, allowing the soil to retain more cations like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The organic substance itself contains relevant minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, which become available after the decomposition of the organic substance.

What is the function of an organic substance?

An organic substance can absorb a lot of water and acts as a buffer due to its absorption capacity, making fertilizers less likely to leach. During dry periods, the plant can easily absorb moisture from the organic substance. Thus, sandy soils with a high organic matter content are less sensitive to drought than humus-poor sandy soils. Nutrients from the organic substance are also released slowly.