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‘<br />
Nut crops may require a lot of water,<br />
but soil conservationists advocate<br />
farming systems designed<br />
around permanent crops that offer<br />
greater carbon sequestration potential<br />
than heavily tilled annuals.<br />
’<br />
JAN 5, 2022<br />
See page 61<br />
physical, chemical and biological characteristics.<br />
Organic matter builds soil<br />
structure, the physical architecture that<br />
facilitates movement of water and air<br />
through the soil profile. Organic matter<br />
adheres to clay surfaces, forming<br />
organo-mineral colloids that prevent<br />
further decomposition. Mineral and<br />
organic matter complexes bind together<br />
forming stable soil aggregates separated<br />
by pore spaces that hold water and air.<br />
Soil with stable aggregation and<br />
plenty of porosity prevents runoff by<br />
allowing fast water penetration and<br />
infiltration during heavy rainfall or<br />
irrigation. Organic matter and improved<br />
structure increase the soil’s<br />
water holding capacity, allowing the<br />
field to retain more water to sustain the<br />
crop during drought. Organic matter’s<br />
adhesive properties also prevent water<br />
and wind erosion, conserving topsoil<br />
while protecting the surrounding environment<br />
from nitrate, phosphorus and<br />
pesticide residue contamination. Excess<br />
water captured during major storms<br />
can replenish aquifers rather than runoff<br />
into streams, eroding the landscape<br />
along the way.<br />
Organic matter’s chemical characteristics<br />
provide important benefits to<br />
crop production by buffering pH and<br />
increasing nutrient availability. Plant,<br />
animal and microbial remains decompose<br />
into carbon molecules with both<br />
positive and negative charge sites. The<br />
reactive sites attract and hold cations,<br />
Continued on Page 30<br />
Helping Farmers Grow NATURALLY Since 1974<br />
FEATURING:<br />
Office: 559-686-3833 Fax: 559-686-1453<br />
2904 E. Oakdale Ave. | Tulare, CA 93274<br />
newerafarmservice.com<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember 2021 www.wcngg.com 29