Soil organic matter content cannot be effectively increased without amending the soil.

Soil organic matter content cannot be effectively increased without amending the soil.

• A. True
• B. Sometimes
• C. Never
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Soil organic matter content rises when carbon inputs to the soil exceed the losses from decomposition. You don’t have to apply a soil amendment to increase it. Practices that add plant material and protect the soil help build SOM: returning crop residues, growing cover crops, and using reduced-tillage or no-till systems reduce disturbance and slow decomposition, allowing more organic matter to accumulate over time. Of course, amendments like compost or manure can speed up the buildup, but they aren’t strictly required for SOM to increase. If residues are removed or the soil is heavily tilled, SOM tends to decline, highlighting that management and input balance—not just amendments—drive these changes.