University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Significance of soil organic matter to soil quality and health -- 2. Soil organic matter management strategies -- 3. Soil organic matter fractions and their relevance to soil function -- 4. Stimulatory effects of humic substances on plant growth -- 5. Suppression of soilborne diseases in field agricultural systems : organic matter management, cover cropping, and other cultural practices -- 6. Contributions of fungi to soil organic matter in agroecosystems -- 7. Connecting belowground and aboveground food webs : the role of organic matter in biological buffering -- 8. Tillage and residue management effects on soil organic matter -- 9. Strategies for managing soil organic matter to supply plant nutrients -- 10. Soil and crop management effects on soil microbiology -- 11. Interactions among organic matter, earthworms, and microorganisms in promoting plant growth.

Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture gathers key scientific reviews concerning issues that are critical for successful SOM management. This book contains evaluations of the types of organic soil constituents-organisms, fresh residues, biologically active compounds and humic substances. It explores how organic matter benefits the function of soils in agroecosystems and practices that enhance SOM. Chapters include impacts of crop management practices on soil organisms, organic matter gains and losses, the significance of various SOM fractions, the contributions of fungi and earthworms.