Organic Matter Key to Soil Health, Crop Yields

Agronomist explains how no-tillers can boost organic matter levels for better nutrient availability.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:25am

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A highly textured, abstract painting in earthy tones depicting the intricate web of organic matter, soil nutrients, and microbial life that sustains a healthy no-till agricultural system.Organic matter is the foundation for a no-till farm's nutrient-rich, biologically active soil ecosystem.Erie Today

Despite making up only a small percentage of soil, organic matter plays a critical role in soil health and crop production. In a recent webinar, agronomist Doug Miller of Midwest Bio-Tech discussed the importance of organic matter, the factors that influence its formation, and how no-till farmers can help increase their soil's organic matter levels.

Why it matters

Organic matter is essential for holding onto and releasing key nutrients like nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus that crops need to thrive. Soils with higher organic matter can provide much of the nitrogen required for the next crop, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

The details

Miller explained that 1% of organic matter contains about 1,000 pounds of nitrogen per acre, though only 2% of that nitrogen is converted to a plant-available form. So a no-till field with 3% organic matter can expect around 60 pounds of plant-available nitrogen. Organic matter also holds 95% of a soil's nitrogen, 90% of its sulfur, and 40% of its phosphorus.

  • The webinar featuring Doug Miller's insights was recently held.

The players

Doug Miller

Agronomist and vice president of Erie, Illinois-based Midwest Bio-Tech.

University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension

Provided the statistic that organic matter makes up no more than 10% of soil.

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What they’re saying

“People that have higher organic-matter soils can have almost enough N available to produce the next crop.”

— Doug Miller, Agronomist

The takeaway

Boosting soil organic matter levels through no-till practices and crop residue management can be a key strategy for no-till farmers to improve nutrient availability and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, leading to more sustainable and profitable crop production.