Below-ground inputs: relationships with soil quality, soil C storage and soil structure.

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships that exist between below-ground inputs and soil chemical and physical properties and soil carbon (C) storage. The effects of soil organic C on soil structure improvement, agents of soil aggregation (bacteria, fungi and macrofauna), erodibility control and soil charges (cation exchange capacity and pH) are assessed. Finally, the impacts of soil organic C on plant productivity and nutrition are discussed.