How microorganisms help stabilise carbon

Roots, exudates and residues bring carbon into soil. Microbes participate both in decomposition and in forming organic matter that can persist longer.

From food to biomass

Bacteria and fungi use compounds for energy and growth, respiring some carbon and incorporating some into cells and activity products. After death, residues supply further transformation and organic-matter accumulation.

Direct experimental evidence

Cynthia Kallenbach, Serita Frey and Stuart Grandy’s 2016 laboratory study showed that microbes could produce chemically diverse, stable organic matter. Greater accumulation was associated with communities having more fungi and more efficient microbial biomass production under the tested conditions.

Protection in soil

Compounds can bind to minerals or become protected within aggregates, restricting decomposer access. Persistence depends on organic materials, microbes and their physical environment.

Fungi and structure

Hyphae and microbial products help bind particles. Aggregate formation and maintenance connect microbiology with structure, aeration and water movement, central topics of the Soil Biology Primer co-authored by Ingham.

Food and monitoring together

Roots, cover and organic materials feed the web. Microscopy examines groups; carbon measurements follow stock changes. These provide complementary evidence.

Our field work

We produce compost and liquids with selected microbiology and continuous microscopy. We plan repeated organic-matter and carbon measurements alongside olive grove applications following our School training.

Sources and further reading

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