Part 1, Section 1: Soil Management

Table of Contents

Soil Health

Improving Soil Health

Aggregate Stability or Soil Tilth

Besides organic matter, crop rotations and crop mixtures can help to improve the aggregation of soils. When designing crop rotations, take the following factors in account: (1) crops with extensive, fine root systems, such as grasses and cereals, stimulate aggregate stability; (2) perennial crops in the rotation have a favorable effect on aggregation that lasts many years; and (3) actively growing root systems improve soil aggregation. Crops with easily decomposed residue (C:N ratio below 25) stimulate aggregate stability in the short term because bacteria that feast on the residue produce polysaccharides and other easily degradable organic substances that act as glue holding aggregates together. Amendments (such as manure or sewage sludge) that stimulate biological activity will also help improve aggregate stability.