Fig. 1: Diagram showing the “Reactive Mineral Sink” (RMS)-driven OM processing, resynthesis, transformation, transport and stabilization in soils.
From: “Reactive Mineral Sink” drives soil organic matter dynamics and stabilization
(i) Biological processes: The reactive minerals can directly bind exoenzymes and influence enzymatic OM decomposition and transformation. The mineral matrix can also create micron-sized niches that promote different microbial communities that, in turn, can alter OM decomposition, reprocessing and resynthesis. (ii) Chemical processes: The reactive mineral matrix causes heterogeneous OM distribution and molecular transformation because different mineral surfaces have different chemical reactivities that will impact OM adsorption, chemical reactions and subsequent organo-mineral association. (iii) Physical processes: Mineral coagulation and dispersion influence aggregate formation and turnover, leading to OM protection and/or liberation. The mineral matrix can also influence hydrological processes that regulate the transport of OM, microbes, colloids and solutes through the matrix, resulting in OM relocation, reprocessing and stabilization.
