A typical agricultural soil has 1% to 6% organic matter. It consists of three distinctly different parts which are: 1) living organisms 2) fresh residues 3) well-decomposed residues. These three parts of soil organic matter have been described as the living, the dead, and the very dead. Seems easy enough, right? Here is some more in depth on the basics.The "LIVING" part of soil organic matter includes a wide variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozo

I grew up with soil. I learned how to judge soil. My life involves soil. My first book was titled From Soil to Success. This might have surprised some who know me. They might have predicted From Forages to Success, but I realized early on in my career that a good agronomist made my job much easier. So, as I type this blog, I want to make you stop and think a bit. Any property I set foot on will have erosion issues. Many realize that steep slopes can be a problem, but water ca