What is referred to as plant material left after harvest which affects soil health?

The term that specifically refers to the plant material left after harvest is crop residue. Crop residue includes the leftover stems, leaves, and other plant parts that remain in the field post-harvest. This residue is crucial for soil health as it contributes to the formation of organic matter as it decomposes, provides habitat for beneficial soil organisms, and helps to protect the soil from erosion. Additionally, crop residue can enhance soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling, playing an essential role in sustainable agricultural practices.

Organic matter typically refers to the decomposed and stable materials in the soil, which include both crop residues and other organic materials like manure. Soil amendments are various materials added to soil to improve its physical or chemical properties, which may not necessarily include the leftover plant material specifically post-harvest. Mulch, on the other hand, is often used to cover the soil surface for various purposes like moisture retention or weed control, and it may or may not consist of crop residue. Thus, while all of these terms relate to soil health, crop residue specifically denotes the unharvested plant materials directly impacting soil health after crops are taken off the field.