Association of specific organic matter compounds in size fractions of soils under different environmental controls

Inherent chemical recalcitrance and association of organic matter (OM) with minerals are mechanisms responsible for the long term preservation of OM in soils. The structural characteristics of OM are also believed to control specific interactions between OM and soil minerals. However, the extent of the relationship between recalcitrance and mineral protection and the specificity of these chemically driven interactions are not clearly understood...