Adding organic matter to soil has a limited effect on water holding capacity

Sequestering carbon in the soil via the addition of organic matter has been widely promoted for the mitigation of climate change. Enhancing soil organic matter can improve soil quality, i.e., increasing nutrient retention, improving soil structure, enhancing soil biotic activity and improving soil moisture and temperature regimes. Adding organic matter has also been widely promoted for increasing soil’s water holding capacity. It was suggested as a means to buffer yields against future variable weather conditions.