Journal article
Probing the nature of soil organic matter
Critical reviews in environmental science and technology, Vol.52(22), pp.4072-4093
26/09/2021
Metrics
62 Record Views
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Abstract
Soil organic carbon management is a nature-based carbon dioxide removal technology at the same time contributing to soil health and agricultural productivity. The soil science communities are refuting the traditional assumptions of the nature of soil organic matter (SOM) as based on 'humic substances' that are operationally-defined and have not been observed by contemporary, in situ spectromicroscopic techniques. Instead, new theories suggest that the interactions between molecular diversity of organic compounds, their spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability controls the formation and persistence of SOM. A mechanistic understanding of these processes occurring within organo-mineral and organo-organic assemblages requires non-invasive techniques that minimize any disturbance to the physical and chemical integrity of the sample. Here, we present a theory-driven review where a combination of in situ methods serve as potential solutions to better understand the persistence and dynamics of SOM and its effects on nutrient distribution at a micro- and nano-scale. We explore underlying theories in light of advances in available methodologies, their historical development and future opportunities. Examples of interdisciplinary approaches that have been utilized in other areas of science but not in soils offer both deductive and inductive analytical opportunities. We show how different conceptual methods across scales inform each other, and how important and indispensable high-resolution investigations are to resolving next-generation questions.
Details
- Title
- Probing the nature of soil organic matter
- Creators
- Zhe (Han) Weng - Department of Animal, Plant & Soil Sciences, Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe UniversityJohannes Lehmann - Crop and Soil Sciences, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell UniversityLukas Van Zwieten - Southern Cross UniversityStephen Joseph - University of New South WalesBraulio S Archanjo - Materials Metrology Division, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO), Rio de Janeiro, BrazilBruce Cowie - ANSTO - Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC, AustraliaLars Thomsen - ANSTO - Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC, AustraliaMark J Tobin - ANSTO - Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC, AustraliaJitraporn Vongsvivut - ANSTO - Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC, AustraliaAnnaleise Klein - ANSTO - Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC, AustraliaCasey L Doolette - Future Industries Institute, University of South AustraliaHelen Hou - School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of QueenslandCarsten W Mueller - Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of CopenhagenEnzo Lombi - Future Industries Institute, University of South AustraliaPeter M Kopittke - School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland
- Publication Details
- Critical reviews in environmental science and technology, Vol.52(22), pp.4072-4093
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Identifiers
- 991012968477902368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article