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SFB/TRR 38: Project A3 Phase 1: Initial stages of humus development
Project
Project code: keine Angaben
Contract period: 01.01.2007
- 01.01.2010
Purpose of research: Basic research
The mechanisms of soil organic matter (SOM) transformation and stabilisation operate on different time scales. We hypothesize that in the initial stage of terrestrial humus formation the selective accumulation of recalcitrant organic matter and the development of hydrophobic surfaces are the dominatin mechanisms. These processes are highly affected by pioneer vegetation development and succession. In the initial phase of ecosystem development, the sources for SOM formation change over time. At long-term scales, stable organo-mineral associations and microaggregation become important after weathering and formation of secondary minerals. Both, the recalcitrance and bioavailability of the accumulating SOM pool are influenced by the formation of organic matter in different soil structures (biogenic crusts, coatings on primary particles, aggregates, pores, rhizosphere).
Section overview
Subjects
- Soil science