What is the primary advantage of adding organic matter to soil?

Adding organic matter to soil significantly enhances its nutrient content, with a primary advantage being its ability to provide a slow release of nutrients over time. This slow release is crucial for sustaining plant growth because it ensures a steady supply of macronutrients and micronutrients as plants require them, rather than resulting in sudden spikes that could be detrimental to plant health or lead to nutrient leaching.

When organic matter decomposes, it transforms into humus, which has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC). This capacity allows soils to hold onto essential nutrients more effectively, making them available for plants when needed. Furthermore, the gradual breakdown of organic materials not only makes nutrients more accessible but also helps improve soil structure, promotes beneficial microbial activity, and enhances water retention, all of which contribute to a healthier growing environment.

The other options, while they may describe certain properties or effects related to soil management, do not capture the primary benefit of organic matter in terms of nutrient supply and soil health. For instance, raising soil temperature can be a result of other factors not directly linked to organic matter itself; lowering pH levels can be a consequence of specific materials added to soil, rather than a general benefit of organic matter; and increasing soil compaction is not desirable as it typically