Soil microaggregation and microspatial patterns of organic matter accrual

The sequestration of organic matter (OM) is linked with soil microaggregates and mineral surfaces. This work aimed to resolve the distribution and arrangement of OM in soils and how they are influenced by fine mineral particle surfaces and microaggregation. Distinct spatial interactions were found to govern the sequestration of OM at the microscale. A successive development of OM patches and a piled-up arrangement were revealed. The effect of soil microaggregates on OM depends on soil texture and aggregate diameters, which are controlled by different failure mechanisms.