Overlooking dynamics and multi-functionality of reactive minerals in soil organic carbon stabilization

Abstract

The formation and stabilization of soil organic carbon (OC) are key to building resilient soil structures and maintaining biogeochemical functions. As the main component of soil organic matter (OM), the portion of stabilized soil OC is influenced by both inherent properties of OM and physical and chemical characteristics of soil. In a perspective study by Angst et al. (2023), particulate organic matter (POM) was highlighted as a factor that enhances OC sequestration under conditions where mineral-associated OM is saturated. The study primarily proposes increasing OC sequestration by enhancing POM inputs while overlooking pathways that improve the soil’s capacity for OC stabilization, particularly through the multifaceted role of reactive minerals. We suggest that efforts should focus on both increasing OM inputs and enhancing reactive minerals to promote OC stabilization through both POM occlusion in soil aggregates and new mineral-associated OM formation. Furthermore, future strategies should consider the overlooked organo-mineral dynamics and the multiple roles of reactive minerals in governing soil OM biochemical properties and persistence. Only through a systematic consideration of OM inputs and soil mineral characteristics can practical and effective strategies be developed to enhance soil OC sequestration.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

soil minerals / soil organic carbon / mineral associated organic matter / particulate organic matter / organo-mineral interaction

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