Aggregation and Organic Matter Storage in Meso-Thermal, Humid Soils
R. J. Haynes, Mike Beare
Abstract
Meso-thermal humid soils are those in temperate regions subject to extreme freezing or long periods of snow cover. Based on this discussion, the various soil properties that have been found to be closely correlated with aggregate stability are considered and the effects of soil management practice on organic matter content and aggregate stability are discussed. A broad outline, with particular reference to temperate soils, is presented below in order to give a basis for the following discussion on the effects of management practice on organic matter content and aggregate stability. Physical enmeshment by roots, associated mycorrhizal hyphae and other fungal hyphae help in this macroaggregation process. The discussion further emphasizes the dynamic nature of aggregation processes in soils. As humic material is degraded under continual cultivation, macroaggregation in arable soils becomes more dependent on the actions of crop roots, fungal hyphae and microbial polysaccharides.