Which soil component helps provide essential nutrients to plants?

Organic matter is a critical component of soil that significantly contributes to providing essential nutrients to plants. It consists of decomposed plant and animal material, which enriches the soil with nutrients as it breaks down. This organic material improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and increases the soil's ability to hold nutrients, making them more available to plant roots.

In addition to supplying nutrients, organic matter plays a vital role in fostering a healthy microbial ecosystem in the soil, which is essential for nutrient cycling. The presence of organic matter can also improve soil aeration and drainage, further supporting plant growth.

While mineral matter contributes to the nutrient content of the soil and serves as a reservoir for various essential elements, it doesn’t provide the same richness or biodiversity in nutrients as organic matter does. Water and air are crucial for plant growth but do not directly supply nutrients. Thus, organic matter stands out as the key component for nourishing plants in the soil ecosystem.