Soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the most important natural resources and the basis of soil fertility. The term SOM generally refers to the total organic carbon (C)-containing substances in soil. The total mass of organic C in soils has been estimated at 22 × 10 14 kg, similar to the total of all other C reservoirs on the earth’s surface (21 × 10 14 kg). 1 SOM contents range from less than 1% in sandy and desert soils to 1%-5% (w/w) in the surface horizons (top 15 cm) of typical mineral and agricultural soils, to almost 100% in organic soils. 2 Even at the lowest levels, the role of SOM in all processes occurring in soil is ascertained to be highly relevant.
The chemistry of soil organic matter
Senesi N.;Loffredo E.
2018-01-01
Abstract
Soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the most important natural resources and the basis of soil fertility. The term SOM generally refers to the total organic carbon (C)-containing substances in soil. The total mass of organic C in soils has been estimated at 22 × 10 14 kg, similar to the total of all other C reservoirs on the earth’s surface (21 × 10 14 kg). 1 SOM contents range from less than 1% in sandy and desert soils to 1%-5% (w/w) in the surface horizons (top 15 cm) of typical mineral and agricultural soils, to almost 100% in organic soils. 2 Even at the lowest levels, the role of SOM in all processes occurring in soil is ascertained to be highly relevant.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.