Spring brings fluctuating temperatures and increased moisture—conditions that can stress your lawn. The key to building a strong, resilient turf during this time? Discover why organic matter matters.

Organic matter (OM) plays a vital role in improving soil structure and feeding the beneficial microbes that support healthy turf. According to the USDA NRCS, “One percent of organic matter in the top six inches of soil would hold approximately 27,000 gallons of water per acre”. That’s a powerful illustration of its importance in soil health and water retention.

🌱 Top Benefits of Organic Matter in Soil  

• Boosts microbial diversity and biological activity.
• Enhances the soil’s water-holding capacity.
• Improves nutrient retention and availability for plants.

📦 Box Comparison: Organic Matter vs. Water Retention  

(From The Art of Balancing Soil Nutrients by William McKibben)

Imagine two boxes of air-dried soil, each weighing 100 pounds:

• Box A contains soil with 2% organic matter.
• Box B contains soil with 4.5% organic matter.

How much water can each box absorb before it becomes saturated?

• Box A (2% OM) can hold around 45 pounds of water.
• Box B (4.5% OM) can hold nearly 150 pounds of water.

➡️ Key takeaway: Even a small increase in organic matter leads to a dramatic improvement in water and nutrient retention. This relationship isn’t linear—it’s logarithmic.

🔄 How to Increase Organic Matter in Your Lawn  

Organic matter is naturally depleted over time through microbial activity and decomposition. To maintain and improve OM levels, consistent inputs are essential.

Ways to build organic matter in your lawn:

• Return grass clippings after mowing – they decompose and act as a natural fertilizer, equal to one nutrient application per season.
• Mow high – taller grass promotes deeper roots, and as roots age and slough off, they add organic material back into the soil.
• Apply organic fertilizers and soil amendments – including humates and compost, which support microbial life and contribute organic material.

🌍 Healthy Soil Is the Foundation of a Healthy Planet  

Building organic matter isn’t just about a better-looking lawn—it’s about creating a sustainable, long-term soil health strategy. Healthy soils reduce runoff, improve drought tolerance, and support cleaner, safer landscapes for families and ecosystems.

✅ Want to learn how to grow organic matter in your yard?
Check out our guide: 10 Steps to an Organic Lawn.

Remember: Organic matter matters—for your lawn and the earth.