Nitrogen mineralization from soil organic matter

Soil organic matter has about 58% C, 5% N, 0.5% P, and 0.5% S. In one year, we expect from 1 to 4% of the soil organic matter to mineralize. That means the organic matter decomposes. The elements in organic form are converted to an inorganic (mineral) form that the grass can use. In warmer climates, the percentage of soil organic mineralized tends to be higher. In cold climates, the percentage of soil organic matter mineralized is lower.

I wrote…