Functional behaviour of soil physical parameters for regulating organic C pools

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the critical components of the global carbon cycle, and the study of SOC accumulation, protection and stabilization is important in evaluation and maintenance of soil fertility and environmental quality. A number of physical parameters regulate the content and fate of reactive components of SOC pools. Physical mechanisms include encapsulation of SOC through organo-mineral complexes where finer particles with high surface activity determine the structural integrity. Soil bulk density and pore geometry are responsible for C protection and decomposition. Agricultural management practices with tillage and residue management control labile and non-labile SOC pools and their array within different aggregate size fractions. Soil moisture and temperature play a key role in influencing soil microbial properties and SOC decomposition.