Dissolved organic matter in agricultural soils

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to provide an overview on current knowledge on origin, structure, chemical composition and factors infl uencing dissolved organic matter (DOM) cycling in agricultural soils as well as it role in functioning of agroecosystems. DOM is considered as one of the most sensitive indicators of changes overlapping in the soil environment. It is the most mobile and active soil component serving as an easily available source of nutrients and energy for microbes and other living organisms. It participates in the soil forming processes, transports nutrients and pollutants into deeper soil horizons and actively supports processes of soil structure formation. DOM transformation in agroecosystems is impacted by many chemical, physical and biological factors and modifi ed by climatic conditions and agricultural activities therefore the quantity and quality of DOM is very diffi cult to predict and control. Although, the role and the fl uxes of DOM have been widely investigated in previous decades, but the research interest was focused mainly on forest soils and water reservoirs while less attention was paid to soils of agricultural usage. New challenges facing agriculture related to the protection of soil functions infl uencing ecosystem services, mitigation of climate changes and sequestration of organic carbon indicate DOM as a potential factor enabling to reach these goals.