Soil organic matter (SOM), the organic component incorporated into the soil matrix, is fundamental to sustaining soil quality. Heterotrophic microorganisms play a central role in breaking down organic materials through various enzymes, using carbon and energy from the substrates for their growth. SOM greatly influences long-term food production by enhancing nutrient and water use efficiency, improving soil structure, and stimulating biological activity. Several factors such as temperature, oxygen availability, rainfall, parent material, soil fertility, microbial activity, organic substrate characteristics, and land use regulate SOM decomposition and consequently soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. Decline in SOC and associated nutrient supply is a major cause of yield stagnation in intensively cultivated systemsworldwide.Agricultural intensification has accelerated carbon loss to the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Maintaining SOM is therefore critical for restoring soil health, fertility, and crop productivity. This is achievable through practices such as carbon sequestration, balanced and integrated nutrient management (INM), improving farmyard manure (FYM) and compost quality, use of vermicompost and green manure, mulching, recycling crop residues, promoting bio-inoculants, increasing forest cover, and adopting suitable cropping systems.