What is... Soil Organic Matter

Building soil organic matter for vibrant, resilient turf in Tulsa.

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Soil Organic Matter and Lawn Health

Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving lawn. Soil organic matter (OM) is the living and decomposed material in the soil—roots, microbes, decaying leaves, and compost. It drives water retention, nutrient storage, and root development. Most Oklahoma mineral soils contain about 1% organic matter, which limits their ability to support dense, resilient turf when compared to agronomic standards of 3%-5% organic matter content for ideal turfgrass growing conditions.

Why

Why Organic Matter Matters

Clay-heavy, construction-disturbed soils compact easily and shed water. Low OM leads to thin turf, runoff and puddling, stress in summer heat, and more weeds filling bare spots. As OM increases, soils hold moisture longer, store nutrients, and support deeper roots—so the lawn needs fewer inputs over time.

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What

What Low Organic Matter Looks Like

  • Spring

    Slow, uneven green-up and thin turf. Low-OM soils stay cold and compact, limiting root activity and early nutrient uptake.

  • Summer

    Rapid dry-down, hot spots, browning, and weeds in open areas. Without organic matter, water runs off instead of soaking in, and turf can’t cool itself.

  • Fall

    Weak color recovery and shallow rooting. Compacted soils block air exchange, preventing root growth before dormancy.

  • Compared to healthy soils...

    Higher-OM soils warm earlier in spring, hold moisture through heat, and recover faster each fall. They resist drought stress and crowd out weeds naturally through dense turf.

How

How to build organic matter.

From cultural practices to professional help, improved soil health translates to improved turf quality.

Question

How does the Premium7 plan help build organic matter in my lawn?

Premium7 promotes stronger root systems and microbial activity through consistent nutrition, micronutrients, and root-enhancing biostimulants. Deeper roots feed soil microbes, helping slowly increase organic matter and improve structure.

Question

Can Basic5 or Core3 improve soil health too?

Yes, but at a significantly slower pace. Basic5 and Core3 share the same fertilizer backbone but omit micronutrient and biostimulant rounds included in Premium7, which limits long-term soil building.

Question

How can I increase organic matter in my lawn soil?

Add compost topdressing once per year, leave grass clippings on the lawn, and avoid overwatering. Consistent fertilization and aeration also stimulate root and microbial growth that builds organic matter naturally.

Question

Does aeration or compost make the biggest difference?

Both are important. Aeration opens compacted clay soils so compost and oxygen can reach deeper layers. Compost adds the carbon and biology needed to raise organic matter levels faster and improve structure long term.

Question

When is the best time to build organic matter?

Late spring through early fall. Warm soil and active turf growth help compost and roots blend together efficiently, producing the strongest gains in soil quality and turf health.

Question

How long does it take to see results?

You’ll see better color and growth within one season, but true gains in organic matter typically appear after two to three years of consistent Premium7 treatments, aeration, and compost applications.

Services

Organic Matter Improving Services

Soil Testing & Analysis

Reveals pH, nutrients, and organic matter levels so we can plan precise treatments to improve your soil health.

Compost Topdressing

Adds organic carbon and microbes to boost soil health, improve structure, and increase long-term turf resilience.

Core Aeration

Relieves compaction, improves airflow, and helps compost, roots, and water reach deeper soil layers for healthy growth.

Premium7

Feeds turf, strengthens roots, and supports microbial activity that naturally builds organic matter over time.