Abstract: This chapter evaluates the nature of organic compounds retained within major soil organic matter reservoirs. It elucidates the mechanisms involved in the catabolism of these compounds and determines the properties of the carbon molecules, the microbial community, and the soil ecosystem itself, which are instrumental in controlling the return of soil organic matter to atmospheric carbon dioxide pools. The chapter discusses the environmental implications and biochemical aspects of the soil carbon cycle. The complexity of the biochemical processes associated with carbon cycling in soil is exemplified by the diversity of organic compounds mineralized and the array of microbes involved. The organic components of soil amendments and native soil organic matter are relatively easily separated conceptually by chemical class; that is, polysaccharides, proteins, lignin, humic acids, and fulvic acids. The chapter also provides a discussion on the management of the soil carbon cycle.
Publication Year: 2020
Publication Date: 2020-09-30
Language: en
Type: other
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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