Plant Debris Decomposition and Soil Organic Matter Formation

Dear Colleagues,

Plant debris decomposition drives a series of key soil processes, including the formation of soil organic matter. Soil organic matter stores more carbon than global vegetation and atmospheric systems combined; however, the ‘decomposition–formation’ nexus between plant debris and soil organic matter, as well as the biological role of soil involved, are poorly understood in the context of global change. This Special Issue aims to: (1) explore the ‘decomposition–formation’ linkages between plant debris (i.e., foliar and root) and soil organic matter across forest ecosystems; and (2) further evaluate the effects of abiotic (e.g., temperature and moisture) and biotic (e.g., microbes and fauna) factors on these ‘decomposition–formation’ processes. We invite contributions that evaluate the decomposition patterns and controls of carbon and nutrient released from plant debris, and the formation and stabilization of plant-derived soil organic matter by presenting evidence from case studies on global syntheses. Studies evaluating the interactions of plant debris inputs and soil organic matter formation, as well as the contribution of soil biota to these processes, are warmly welcomed. Papers submitted to this Special Issue are expected to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the plant pathways of soil organic matter formation, which is a critical step necessary to better represent the fate of carbon in soil biogeochemical models.

Prof. Dr. Zhenfeng Xu
Prof. Dr. Xiangyin Ni
Dr. Rui Yin
Guest Editors

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