Eco-functionality of organic matter in soils

• Published in: Plant and soil Vol. 455; no. 1-2; pp. 1 - 22
• Main Authors: Hoffland, Ellis, Kuyper, Thomas W., Comans, Rob N. J., Creamer, Rachel E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.10.2020; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Agglomeration; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Decomposition; Ecological function; Ecology; Ecosystems; Life Sciences; Marschner Review; Mineralization; Organic matter; Organic soils; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Saturated soils; Soil organic matter; Soil properties; Soil Science & Conservation; Soils; Soil organic matter; Property-function relationship; Eco-functionality
• ISSN: 0032-079X; 1573-5036
• DOI: 10.1007/s11104-020-04651-9

Background Soil organic matter (SOM) supports multiple soil ecosystem functions, underpinned by processes such as C sequestration, N mineralization, aggregation, promotion of plant health and compound retention. We know little about the relationship between these functions and SOM quality. Scope We aimed to develop “eco-functionality” as a framework to address questions on the relation between SOM properties and soil ecosystem functions. Conclusions Paradigm shifts in SOM research have not led to metrics for eco-functionality beyond decomposability and C:N ratio. Recalcitrant OM is under-researched despite its essential role in aggregation and C sequestration, especially in C-saturated soils. Most soil functions are dependent on SOM decomposition and require labile compounds. We conclude that eco-functionality is context-dependent and needs to take time scales into account. We plea for attempts to link operationally defined SOM fractions to functions in order to make SOM research more applicable.