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<p>Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and represents the most significant terrestrial carbon sink. Its dynamics are driven by a complex interplay of physical, chemical, and biological factors, including soil texture, mineralogy, microbial activity, and plant inputs. Soil organic carbon sequestration is fundamental to maintaining soil fertility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening ecosystem resilience. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the mechanisms controlling SOC durability, the vulnerability of its fractions under environmental stress, and the interactions between biotic and abiotic drivers of SOC stability. Furthermore, significant uncertainties remain in predicting long-term SOC dynamics because soil processes are scale-dependent, and integrated models that capture spatial heterogeneity and microbial functional traits are limited. Therefore, this review aims to synthesize current understanding of SOC dynamics, explore the factors influencing its stabilization, and evaluate methods for assessing SOC durability. We emphasize the roles of physical protection (e.g. soil aggregates), chemical stabilization (e.g. mineral-organic interactions), and biochemical recalcitrance (e.g. complex organic structures) in SOC persistence. It also investigates the contributions of microbial activity, plant inputs, and soil fauna to SOC turnover and storage. Fine-textured soils (e.g. clay) enhance SOC retention, and microbial necromass, along with root-derived inputs, are key contributors to stable SOC pools. However, climate change and unsustainable land-use practices continue to diminish SOC stocks, highlighting the urgent need for effective management. This review emphasizes the value of multidisciplinary approaches to improve SOC modelling and reduce uncertainties. Future research should focus on microbial functional genes, subsoil carbon dynamics, and interactions between soil fauna and SOC stabilization. Adopting practices such as agroforestry, cover cropping, and reduced tillage is essential to strengthen SOC sequestration and support climate mitigation goals. This synthesis supports progress in SOC science and provides direction for policy that balances agricultural productivity and climate resilience.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Understanding soil carbon durability: influencing factors, stabilization mechanisms, and research challenges

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月3日

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  • Nima Kerketta,
  • Pratiti Goswami,
  • Amlan Roy,
  • Dipankar Sarma,
  • Muhammad Farooq,
  • Fasih Ullah Haider,
  • Nirmali Gogoi

摘要

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and represents the most significant terrestrial carbon sink. Its dynamics are driven by a complex interplay of physical, chemical, and biological factors, including soil texture, mineralogy, microbial activity, and plant inputs. Soil organic carbon sequestration is fundamental to maintaining soil fertility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening ecosystem resilience. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the mechanisms controlling SOC durability, the vulnerability of its fractions under environmental stress, and the interactions between biotic and abiotic drivers of SOC stability. Furthermore, significant uncertainties remain in predicting long-term SOC dynamics because soil processes are scale-dependent, and integrated models that capture spatial heterogeneity and microbial functional traits are limited. Therefore, this review aims to synthesize current understanding of SOC dynamics, explore the factors influencing its stabilization, and evaluate methods for assessing SOC durability. We emphasize the roles of physical protection (e.g. soil aggregates), chemical stabilization (e.g. mineral-organic interactions), and biochemical recalcitrance (e.g. complex organic structures) in SOC persistence. It also investigates the contributions of microbial activity, plant inputs, and soil fauna to SOC turnover and storage. Fine-textured soils (e.g. clay) enhance SOC retention, and microbial necromass, along with root-derived inputs, are key contributors to stable SOC pools. However, climate change and unsustainable land-use practices continue to diminish SOC stocks, highlighting the urgent need for effective management. This review emphasizes the value of multidisciplinary approaches to improve SOC modelling and reduce uncertainties. Future research should focus on microbial functional genes, subsoil carbon dynamics, and interactions between soil fauna and SOC stabilization. Adopting practices such as agroforestry, cover cropping, and reduced tillage is essential to strengthen SOC sequestration and support climate mitigation goals. This synthesis supports progress in SOC science and provides direction for policy that balances agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

Graphical Abstract