Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations: Soil Organic Matter

Excerpt from Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations, 2010-11
Order this publication

Table of Contents

1. Soil Organic Matter
   • Table 3-5. Optimum Soil Organic Matter Contents for a Range of Soil Types (PDF 68 kb)
2. Other topics in Soil Management, Fertilizer Use, Crop Nutrition and Cover Crops
   • Assessing Nutrient Needs
   • Soil pH and Liming
   • Nitrogen
   • Phosphorus
   • Potassium
   • Calcium
   • Magnesium
   • Micronutrients
   • Cover Crops
3. Chapter 3: Soil Management, Fertilizer Use, Crop Nutrition and Cover Crops - PDF 189 kb
4. Related Links

Soil Organic Matter

Soil organic matter helps maintain soil structure, enhances soil moisture holding capacity, increases the ability of the soil to hold nutrients and improves drainage. Adequate soil organic matter levels can help maintain crop yields and long-term plant health, especially in adverse weather conditions. Many horticultural soils are light-textured and frequently cultivated. The maintenance of organic matter levels in these soils is a challenge.

To ensure long-term productivity of fruit crops, assess the soil quality of each field before planting and take steps to maintain or improve it. For more information, see OMAFRA Publication 611, Soil Fertility Handbook. and Table 3-5. Optimum Soil Organic Matter Contents for a Range of Soil Types.

Table 3-5. Optimum Soil Organic Matter Contents for a Range of Soil Types
(PDF 68 kb)

Source: The Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan Program workbook 3rd ed. 2004.

Related Links

• OMAFRA Publication 611, Soil Fertility Handbook
• Soil Management
• Soil Fertility & Crop Nutrition
• Soil Water Management
• Best Management Practices: Soil Management
• Cover Crops
• OMAFRA Publication 505: Ontario Weeds
• OMAFRA Publication 75: Guide To Weed Control