Organic matter (OM) is a barometer of soil health. The population of organisms that is supported by soil organic matter is of immeasurable benefit to plants. More OM means more decomposers that recycle nutrients from plant and animal residues faster; more nitrogen fixing and mineralizing bacteria; more beneficial organisms that help dissolve mineral, translocate water from soil depths and help control pathogenic fungi; and more humus that increases the water and nutrient holding capacity of the soil. Humus acts like a sponge in the soil which expands and contracts as its moisture level changes. This activity within the soil increases porosity, which improves the movement of air and water. As all these organisms travel through their own life cycles, they create even more organic matter.

MicroSoil works best when the soil’s organic matter is a minimum of about 2% . (1% is required by the plant and the other 1% is required by the microorganisms). The reason for this is that the nitrogen (N) serves the microorganisms as much as, if not more than it serves the plants. Therefore, if there is only enough nitrogen (i.e. 1%) in the soil for either the plant or the bacteria, the bacteria will get it.

(Reference: Edaphos: Dynamics of a Natural Soil System / Paul D. Sachs - p 146)

This is why when you test the soil and find only 1% organic matter (or about 40 lbs. of N/ per U.S. acre) in the soil you must add, for example, about 100 lbs of urea (46 lbs N/per U.S. acre) along with some manure or other organic carbon substance to your soil before, or at the same time you apply MicroSoil. Note: Manure and manure teas are perfect to use in conjunction with MicroSoil when trying to elevate the organic matter. Manure can be used with or in lieu of urea or other chemical fertilizers. Forty (40) lbs of nitrogen/per U.S. acre from other sources, organic and/or inorganic can also be used. This additional urea, manure, or other organic substances, plus the 1% (40 lbs. N/per U.S. acre) already in the soil, will raise the organic matter to 2% (or 80 lbs. of N/per U.S. acre) which MicroSoil needs to be effective.

Manure teas are simple to make and are used all over the world. Simply take 8-10 shovelfuls of manure (i.e. cow, sheep or pig) and put it in a 50 gallon barrel of water and leave it for two (2) weeks or until it looks like tea. This can then be immediately mixed with MicroSoil and applied to the soil. Sludge and many other natural products can be used to help raise the organic matter in the soil.

When organic matter goes up, you have fewer problems with the soil. Likewise, when the organic matter goes down, you will encounter more problems.  This is the key to healthy, fertile soil.

Composting or leaving crop residues on the soil is critical if you are serious about converting to sustainable/alternative farming methods. The reason is that the bacteria's primary food source is carbon (i.e. carbohydrate). Human food and bacteria food are the same. This is one of the most important keys to converting to sustainable/alternative agriculture. You must compost or leave crop residues in the soil so the bacteria can survive.

Natural organic sources of nitrogen are derived from proteins in plant and animal residues. Composting and fermentation chemically change the manure into a more stable form of fertilizer, but it is accomplished by natural microorganisms and is still considered a natural organic product. Composted manures are an excellent amendment to soils because of the high percentage of organic matter they contain, but they must be used in larger quantities because of their relatively low nitrogen content.

Materials that contain a large percentage of lignins, cellulose or other biologically resistant components have less to offer plants in the way of recyclable nutrients but contribute significantly more to the formation of humus.

With increasing use of animal manures and other organic residues you can substantially reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. MicroSoil aids in the building of organic matter while chemical fertilizers reduce organic matter in the soil.

(Reference: Edaphos: Dynamics of a Natural Soil System / Paul D. Sachs - pp 116, 37-38)