Organic Matter Management for Soil Health and Climate Resilience

This document details best practices for managing soil organic matter to improve soil health and climate resilience. Focused on a 2-hectare hilly site in Sardinia, Italy, with 500 mm annual rainfall and shallow, rocky soils (pH ~6.5), it evaluates no-till seeding, cover cropping, compost application, and residue management. These practices enhance soil structure, porosity, water infiltration, root development, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activity. They increase soil carbon stocks, reduce erosion, and improve drought and extreme weather resilience. The findings support long-term soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and greenhouse gas mitigation.