Chemical composition of organic matter

Figure 2.2. Changes in particle size, C/N ratio, and chemical composition of organic matter in mineral soil with increasing extent of oxidative decomposition. Reprinted from Baldock, J. A., and Skjemstad, J. O. (2000). The role of soil mineral matrix in protecting natural organic materials against biological attack. Org. Geochem. 31, 697-710, with permission from Elsevier.

Rumpel, C., Knicker, H., Kogel-Knabner, I., Skjemstad, J. O., and Huttl, R. E (1998). Types and chemical composition of organic matter in reforested lignite-rich mine soils. Geoderma 86,123-142. 

Decomposition. Reduction of the net energy level and a change in chemical composition of organic matter brought about by the actions of aerobic or anaerobic microorganisms. 

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