Soil Organic Matter Image Gallery

Organic matter refers to decomposed plant and animal residues in the soil, reported as a percentage by weight of the <2 mm soil fraction. It varies with land management, vegetation, and soil formation processes. Depth patterns in organic carbon can reflect historic deposition or natural soil development.

Applied Relevance

Organic matter enhances available water capacity, infiltration, biological activity, and nutrient cycling. It supports soil health and crop productivity, but high levels may reduce soil stability and cause subsidence when dry. Managing organic matter through residue return and reduced disturbance improves long-term soil function and fertility.

Available Depths

GIS data layers are available for cumulative and segmented depth intervals including:
0–5 cm, 5–20 cm, 0–20 cm, 0–30 cm, 0–50 cm, 0–100 cm, 0–150 cm, and 150–200 cm.