What is a potential drawback of failing to maintain soil organic matter?

Maintaining soil organic matter is critical for several aspects of soil health, and one significant drawback of failing to do so is the decreased soil structure. Soil organic matter plays a vital role in forming soil aggregates, which improves soil aeration, water infiltration, and root penetration. When organic matter levels decline, the soil can become compacted and lose its ability to retain moisture and nutrients, resulting in a poorer growing environment for plants. With compromised soil structure, the ecosystem's vulnerability to erosion increases, leading to further degradation of soil quality.

Increased soil fertility and improved moisture levels are benefits primarily associated with higher organic matter in the soil. Similarly, reduced soil erosion typically occurs as a positive consequence of well-structured soil that retains organic material rather than a drawback of its absence. Therefore, the failure to maintain soil organic matter is directly linked to the degradation of soil structure, impacting overall soil health and agricultural productivity negatively.