What is the primary nutrient storehouse for plant growth in soil?

The primary nutrient storehouse for plant growth in soil is organic matter. Organic matter is comprised of decomposed plant and animal materials, which are rich in nutrients essential for plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It enhances soil structure, aeration, and moisture retention, making nutrients more readily available to plants.

While sand, silt, and clay are components of soil texture, they serve different roles. Sand provides good drainage and aeration but has limited nutrient-holding capacity. Silt holds more nutrients and water than sand, but it doesn’t store nutrients as effectively as organic matter. Clay has a high nutrient-holding capacity due to its small particle size and large surface area, but it can lead to poor drainage and aeration when too much clay is present. In summary, organic matter is vital for nutrient storage and overall soil fertility, making it the most important component for supporting plant growth.