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Soil carbon is present in two forms: inorganic and organic. Soil inorganic carbon consists of mineral forms of carbon, either from weathering of parent material, or from reaction of soil minerals with atmospheric CO 2. Carbonate minerals are the dominant form of soil carbon in desert climates. Soil organic carbon is present as soil organic matter.
Soil consists of a solid phase of minerals and organic matter (the soil matrix), as well as a porous phase that holds gases (the soil atmosphere) and water (the soil solution). [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Accordingly, soil is a three- state system of solids, liquids, and gases. [ 3 ]
Soil organic matter (SOM) is the organic matter component of soil, consisting of plant and animal detritus at various stages of decomposition, cells and tissues of soil microbes, and substances that soil microbes synthesize.
Organic matter, organic material, or natural organic matter refers to the large source of carbon-based compounds found within natural and engineered, terrestrial, and aquatic environments. It is matter composed of organic compounds that have come from the feces and remains of organisms such as plants and animals . [ 1 ]
When the organic component of a soil is substantial, the soil is called organic soil rather than mineral soil. A soil is called organic if: Mineral fraction is 0% clay and organic matter is 20% or more; Mineral fraction is 0% to 50% clay and organic matter is between 20% and 30%; Mineral fraction is 50% or more clay and organic matter 30% or ...
Soil structure refers to the size, shape and arrangement of solid particles in soil. [15] Factors such as climate, vegetation and organisms influence the complex arrangement of particles in the soil [16] Structural features of the soil include microporosity and pore size which are also affected by minerals and soil organic matter. [17]
Soil biology plays a vital role in determining many soil characteristics. The decomposition of organic matter by soil organisms has an immense influence on soil fertility, plant growth, soil structure, and carbon storage. As a relatively new science, much remains unknown about soil biology and its effect on soil ecosystems.
Liquid water is essential for carbon-based life. Chemical bonding of carbon molecules requires liquid water. [30] Water has the chemical property to make compound-solvent pairing. [31] Water provides the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide. Hydration of carbon dioxide is needed in carbon-based life. All life on Earth uses the same ...