Fig. 1: Conceptual diagram of the formation of protected aggregates from catalytic biochar surfaces over time in a Rhodic Ferralsol.
From: Microspectroscopic visualization of how biochar lifts the soil organic carbon ceiling
a Biochar sorbs root-derived carbon (rhizodeposits) onto its surface, protecting the rhizodeposits from immediate microbial consumption. b, c The rhizodeposits form organic interfaces with biochar, and organo-mineral interfaces with very fine layers of soil minerals that accumulate on the biochar, that protect (b) and retain (c) rhizodeposits within the biochar coating. Over time, microbial necromass also adsorbs to biochar being retained in similar protective interfaces. d New organic and organo-mineral coatings can build on the biochar surface. e The process repeats, to develop new, protected SOC over time.
