What is a potential benefit of maintaining soil organic matter?

Maintaining soil organic matter has significant benefits for soil health, and one of the most important is its contribution to improved soil fertility and structure. Organic matter is rich in nutrients that are essential for plant growth, providing a reservoir of nutrients that can be readily available to plants as they grow. This improved fertility results from the decomposition of organic matter, which releases nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, among other valuable nutrients, into the soil.

Additionally, organic matter plays a crucial role in enhancing soil structure. It helps bind soil particles together, creating aggregates that improve aeration, infiltration, and water-holding capacity. This aggregation allows roots to penetrate more easily and access moisture and nutrients. Furthermore, improved structure can reduce erosion and help manage soil compaction, creating a healthier environment for plant roots and microbial activity.

While other choices mention factors that might be influenced by soil organic matter, they do not capture the comprehensive benefits related to fertility and structure that directly enhance plant growth and sustainability in agricultural practices.