Carbon Cycle

Question 1

5. Soil Organic Matter and Humus:

Answer 1

• Soil inputs can increase carbon content due to microbial stimulation and formation of new biomass.
  
  • Soil organic matter produced by decomposing residues varies per ecosystem based on decomposition rates influenced by temperature.
  • SOM functions: AEC/CEC contribution, nutrient release/retention, pollutant depletion, taxonomic classification.
  • Respiration affects soil redox potential due to CO2 increase and O2 decrease.
    No till soil has concentrated carbon in upper layers, higher moisture content, and lower microorganism metabolic activity.