The Loss of Organic Matter in Agroecosystems

Soil organic matter is a fundamental component for the health and productivity of agroecosystems, however, various intensive agricultural practices have led to a drastic decrease in its levels in many regions of the world, this loss has significant consequences for soil fertility, structure, water retention capacity and, ultimately, agricultural production.

The organic matter of the soil is composed of decaying plant and animal remains, microorganisms and humic substances. Organic matter plays a crucial role in fertility since it provides essential nutrients for plant growth, it also influences the structure of the soil by increasing its porosity and aeration, as well as the water retention capacity in the soil, reducing erosion and the loss of nutrients by leaching and last but not least maintains biological activity favoring the development of beneficial microorganisms.

In this same vein, the causes of the loss of organic matter can come from conventional tillage, because frequent tillage exposes organic matter to accelerated microbial decomposition and erosion, crop residue removal, burning or crop residue removal reduces the amount of organic matter that returns to the soil, monocultures the planting of a single crop quickly depletes soil nutrients and reduces biological diversity, likewise, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers can suppress microbial activity and accelerate the mineralization of organic matter, and water and wind erosion drags down the surface layer of the soil, rich in organic matter.

The loss of organic matter has long-term negative consequences on the soil such as a decrease in agricultural productivity since, in soils with low organic matter they have a lower capacity to retain nutrients and water, which affects plant growth, soil degradation, the loss of organic matter leads to a decrease in the soil structure, making it more susceptible to compaction and erosion. excess nutrients from chemical fertilization and erosion can contaminate surface and groundwater. climate change, soils with low organic matter have a lower capacity to sequester carbon, which contributes to climate change.

On the other hand, there are various strategies to recover and conserve organic matter in agroecosystems such as conservation agriculture minimizing tillage, using cover crops and crop rotation that are key practices to increase organic matter, also the use of organic fertilizers, applying organic fertilizers such as compost, manure and vegetable waste provides nutrients and improves the soil structure, also strategies such as agroforestry systems because the integration of trees into agricultural systems increases biological diversity and contributes organic matter to the soil in the same way practices such as integrated pest management reducing the use of pesticides that favors the activity of beneficial microorganisms and the decomposition of organic matter.

Dear readers, the loss of organic matter in agroecosystems is a global problem that requires urgent solutions. Adopting sustainable agricultural practices and restoring soil organic matter are fundamental to ensure food security and the long-term health of ecosystems.