Capillary electrophoresis characterisation of humic acids: application to diverse forest soil samples

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Tatzber ◽  
Franz Mutsch ◽  
Axel Mentler ◽  
Ernst Leitgeb ◽  
Michael Englisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Capillary Electrophoresis ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Humic Acids ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
The Other ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Soil Layers

Environmental contextAnalysis of soil organic matter is important for understanding turnover and stabilisation processes of organic carbon in soils. Capillary electrophoresis is used here to investigate humic acids from soils of diverse forest sites, and show that the patterns of signals are indicative of soil characteristics. The method provides useful information of soil types and complements the existing set of methods for humic acid characterisation. AbstractAnalyses of humic substances provide very useful information about turnover characteristics and stabilisation processes of soil organic matter in environmental soil samples. The present study investigates 113 samples of forest soils from three different layers (undecomposed litter (L), if present, mixed samples of F (intermediate decomposed) and H (highly decomposed) organic matter (FH) and upper mineral soil layers (Ah horizon) from 0 to 5 cm) by extracting humic acids (HAs) and recording electropherograms. Five signals of these electropherograms were evaluated and correlated with basic parameters from soil (organic carbon, Corg, and total nitrogen, Nt, and extraction yields of HAs) and HAs (total carbon, Ct, and Nt), and with signals from photometry, mid-infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy. The developed method was able to separate HAs from different soil layers by calculating a discriminant function based on the five evaluated electrophoretic signals. The dataset of this work opened the opportunity to correlate the observed electrophoretic signals with the other determined soil parameters and spectroscopic signals. This can be seen as a very important step in the direction to assignments of the obtained electrophoretic signals. Soil characteristics were reflected quite well by this method and, combined with the other approaches, it is suitable for applications in further studies.

scholarly journals Properties of Humic Acids in Meadow Soils Irrigated With the Slope-And Flooding System

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Banach-Szott ◽  
Andrzej Dziamski
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Humic Acids ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Hydrophobic Properties ◽  
Irrigation Ditch ◽  
Ft Ir ◽  
Degree Of Maturity

Abstract The aim of the research has been to determine the effect of many-year irrigation of unique grasslands on the properties of humic acids defining the quality of organic matter. The research was performed based on the soil (Albic Brunic Arenosol, the A, AE and Bsv horizons) sampled from Europe’s unique complex of permanent grasslands irrigated continuously for 150 years, applying the slope-and-flooding system; the Czerskie Meadows. The soil samples were assayed for the content of total organic carbon (TOC) and the particle size distribution. HAs were extracted with the Schnitzer method and analysed for the elemental composition, spectrometric parameters in the UV-VIS range, hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties and the infrared spectra were produced. The research results have shown that the HAs properties depended on the depth and the distance from the irrigation ditch. The HAs of the A horizon of the soils were identified with a lower “degree of maturity”, as reflected by the values of atomic ratios (H/C, O/C, O/H), absorbance coefficients, and the FT-IR spectra, as compared with the HAs of the Bsv horizon. The HAs molecules of the soils sampled furthest from the irrigation ditch were identified with a higher degree of humification, as compared with the HAs of the soils sampled within the closest distance. The results have demonstrated that many-year grassland irrigation affected the structure and the properties of humic acids.

Particulate organic matter in soil under different management systems in the Brazilian Cerrado

Soil Research ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arcângelo Loss ◽  
Marcos Gervasio Pereira ◽  
Adriano Perin ◽  
Fernando Silva Coutinho ◽  
Lúcia Helena Cunha dos Anjos
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
The Other ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Brazilian Cerrado ◽  
Cerrado Vegetation ◽  
No Till ◽  
Planting System

The combination of the no-till planting system (NTS) and pasture (e.g. brachiaria grass, Urochloa sp.) for livestock production constitutes a crop–livestock integration (CLI) system. CLI systems significantly increase the total organic carbon (TOC) content of soil and the particulate organic carbon (POC) of soil organic matter (SOM). The present study evaluated TOC and the granulometric fractions of SOM under different management systems in a Cerrado area in the state of Goiás. Two areas applying crop rotation were evaluated, one using CLI (corn/brachiaria grass/bean/cotton/soybean planted sequentially) and the other NTS (sunflower/pearl millet/soybean/corn planted sequentially). A third area covered with natural Cerrado vegetation (Cerradão) served as a reference to determine original soil conditions. Soil was randomly sampled at 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm. The TOC, POC, and mineral-associated organic carbon (MOC) were assessed, and POC and MOC stocks calculated. The CLI system resulted in greater TOC levels than NTS (0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm). Compared with the Cerradão, CLI areas exhibited higher stocks of TOC (at 5–10 and 10–20 cm) and POC (at 0–40 cm). Results obtained for TOC and POC fractions show that land management with CLI was more efficient in increasing SOM than NTS. Moreover, when compared with NTS, the CLI system provided better POC stratification.

scholarly journals Chemical and physical fractions of soil organic matter under various management regimes in Roraima, Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4Supl1) ◽  
pp. 2419
Author(s):  
Marden Daniel Espinoza Guardiola ◽  
José Frutuoso Vale Júnior ◽  
Edmilson Evangelista da Silva ◽  
Celeste Queiroz Rossi ◽  
Marcos Gervasio Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Chemical Elements ◽  
The Other ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Natural Fertility ◽  
Chemical Attributes ◽  
Pasture Area ◽  
Physical And Chemical

The crop-livestock integration (CLI) and crop-livestock-forest integration (CLFI) management systems, have been shown to be viable approaches for increasing carbon sequestration in soils, resulting in the improvement of physical and chemical soil attributes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical attributes and organic matter in soils under Natural Forest (NF) converted to different uses and managed differently: rotational pasture area (PAST), crop-livestock integration (CLI), and crop-livestock-forest integration (CLIF). The research was conducted at the São Paulo farm, in Iracema, located in the south-central region of the state of Roraima, Brazil. The studied soil type was classified as Ultisol. Soil samples were taken by opening ditches and examining layers at 0.1-m depth intervals from surface to 0.60-m depth. Total organic carbon (TOC), chemical and granulometric fractionation of soil organic matter (SOM), oxidizable fractions, and light organic matter in water were analyzed. Our results showed low levels of the analyzed chemical elements, a characteristic of a soil with low natural fertility. This matches conditions inherent in source material, weathered by high rainfall, a warm and humid climate, and flat topographic relief. In the 0-0.1 m layer, the PAST and CLI systems had the highest TOC contents relative to the other systems studied. At other depths, there were no statistical differences among TOC levels. The highest concentration of C in the particulate fraction (POC) was noted in the surface layer in all management systems. The pasture system had the highest concentration POC in the top 0.10 m. Our results also showed that the upper 0.10 m of soil in NF contained the lowest content of organic carbon associated with mineral (MOC) relative to the managed agrosystems. In addition, humin provided the largest contribution to SOM in all evaluated management systems. The crop-livestock integration (CLI) and crop-livestock integration forest (CLIF) systems, emerged as a strong alternative to carbon incorporation and subsequently the improvement of physical and chemical soil attributes. The objective of this work to evaluate the chemical attributes and organic matter in soils under Natural forest (NF) converted into different use and management systems: pasture (PAST), crop-livestock Integration (CLI) and crop-livestock Integration forest (CLIF). The research was conducted at São Paulo farm in Iracema, located in the Center-South region of the State of Roraima, Brazil. The soil studied was classified as Argissolo Amarelo Distrófico. The samples were taken by the opening of trenches in layers of 0-0.10, 0.10- 0.20, 0.20- 0.40, and 0.40-0.60 m depth. Total organic carbon (TOC), chemical and granulometric fractionation of soil organic matter (SOM), oxidizable fractions and organic matter in water were analyzed. The results showed low levels of the analyzed chemical elements which characterizes soils with low natural fertility, which matches the conditions of the source material, high rainfall and regional temperature, as well as the flat local relief. In the 0-0.1 m layer, the PAST and CLI systems had the highest TOC contents when compared to the other systems studied, in the other depths there were no statistical differences between the TOC levels. The highest amount of C in the particulate fraction (COp) was verified in the surface layer in all evaluated management systems. The pasture area was the system with the greatest contribution of COp to the depth of 0-0.0 m. In relation to the carbon content associated with minerals (COam), the results showed that the depth of 0-0.05 m NF area presented the lowest levels when compared to the other systems. Regarding the humic substances, there was a larger contribution of humin in all evaluated systems.

Soil organic matter in soils of the Russian Arctic: insights from 13C-NMR spectroscopy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Alekseev ◽  
Evgeny Abakumov
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Humic Acids ◽  
13C Nmr ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Molecular Organization ◽  
Cold Temperatures ◽  
Organic Matter Stabilization ◽  
Global Carbon

<p>Polar soils play a key role in global carbon circulation and stabilization as they contain maximum stocks of soil organic matter (SOM) within the whole pedosphere. Cold climate and active layer dynamics result in the stabilization of essential amounts of organic matter in soils, biosediments, and grounds of the polar biome. Chemical composition of soil organic carbon (SOC) determines its decomposability and may affect soil organic matter stabilization (SOM) rate (Beyer, 1995). This is quite important for understanding variability in SOC pools and stabilization rate in context of changes in plant cover or climate (Rossi et al. 2016). <sup>13</sup>C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which provides detailed information on diversity of structural composition of humic acids and SOM, may also be used to study the SOM dynamics under decomposition and humification proceses (Kogel-Knabner, 1997; Zech et al., 1997). This study aims to characterize molecular organization of the humic acids, isolated from various permafrost-affected soils of Yamal region and to assess the potential vulnerability of soils organic matter in context of possible mineralization processes. Organic carbon stocks for studied area were 7.85 ± 2.24 kg m-2 (for 0-10 cm layer), 14.97 ± 5.53 kg m-2 (for 0-30 cm), 23.99 ± 8.00 kg m-2 (for 0-100 cm). Results of solid-state 13C-NMR spectrometry showed low amounts of aromatic components in studied soils. All studied humic powders are characterized by predominance of aliphatic structures, and also carbohydrates, polysaccharides, ethers and amino acids. High content of aliphatic fragments in studied humic acids shows their similarity fulvic acids. Low level of aromaticity reflects the accumulation in soil of lowly decomposed organic matter due to cold temperatures. Our results provide further evidence of high vulnerability and sensitivity of permafrost-affected soils organic matter to Arctic warming. Consequently, these soils may play a crucial role in global carbon balance under effects of climate warming.</p>

scholarly journals Relationship between the mass of organic matter and carbon in soil

2008 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silmara R. Bianchi ◽  
Mario Miyazawa ◽  
Edson L. de Oliveira ◽  
Marcos Antonio Pavan
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Loss On Ignition ◽  
Oxidation Degree ◽  
Wide Range

The quantity of soil organic matter (SOM) was estimated through the determination of soil organic carbon (SOC) times a factor, which assumes that 58% of the SOM was formed by carbon. A number of soil samples with wide range of SOC content collected in the state of Paraná, Brazil were evaluated in the laboratory. SOC was measured by Walkley-Black method and the total SOM by loss on ignition. The SOC was positively correlated with SOM. The SOM/SOC ratio varied from 1.91 to 5.08 for the soils. It shows that Brazilian SOM has greater oxidation degree. Although, the SOM and SOC decreased with soil depth the SOM/SOC ratio increased. It showed that SOM in the subsoil contained more oxygen but less carbon than the SOM in the upper soil surface. The CEC/SOC also increased with depth indicating that the functional groups of the SOM increased per unity of carbon.

scholarly journals Properties of Humic Acids in Meadow Soils Irrigated with the Slope-and-Flooding System

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2553
Author(s):  
Magdalena Banach-Szott ◽  
Andrzej Dziamski ◽  
Maciej Markiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Humic Acids ◽  
Infrared Spectra ◽  
Soil Protection ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Irrigation Ditch ◽  
The Mean

The still-advancing soil degradation and the related losses of soil organic carbon stocks due to the limited inflow of organic residues in agro-ecosystems encourage more and more soil protection. Establishing meadow ecosystems is one of the key methods of agricultural land use preventing losses of organic carbon in soils. Based on the research on the properties of humic acids, it is possible to determine the advancement of the processes of transformation and decomposition of soil organic matter. The obtained results may allow for the development of a soil protection strategy and more effective sequestration of organic carbon. Therefore, the aim of the research was to determine the properties of humic acids defining the quality of organic matter of meadow soils irrigated for 150 years with the slope-and-flooding system. The research was performed based on the soils (Albic Brunic Arenosol) sampled from Europe’s unique complex of permanent irrigated grasslands (the same irrigation management for 150 years), applying the slope-and-flooding system: the Czerskie Meadows. The soil samples were assayed for the content of total organic carbon (TOC) and the particle size distribution. HAs were extracted with the Schnitzer method and analysed for the elemental composition, spectrometric parameters in the UV-VIS (ultraviolet-visible) range, hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties and the infrared spectra. The research results showed that the HAs properties depend on the depth and the distance from the irrigation ditch. The HAs of soils sampled from the depth of 0–10 cm were identified with a lower “degree of maturity” as compared with the HAs of soils sampled from the depth of 20–30 cm, reflected by the values of atomic ratios (H/C, O/C, O/H), absorbance coefficients, and the FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared) spectra. The mean values of the H/C ratio in the HAs molecules of soils sampled from the depth of 20–30 cm were lower by 8.2% than those from the depth of 0–10 cm. The mean values of the absorbance coefficient A4/6 in the HAs molecules of soils sampled from the depth of 20–30 cm were lower by 9.6% than in the HAs molecules of soils sampled from the depth of 0–10 cm. The HAs molecules of the soils sampled 25 m from the irrigation ditch were identified with a higher degree of humification, as compared with the HAs of the soils sampled 5 m from the irrigation ditch. The results identified that humic acids produced in the many-year irrigated sandy soils were identified with a high degree of humification, which proves the relative stability of the soil’s organic matter. It confirms the importance of meadow soils for the carbon sequestration process. It should also be emphasized that the research area is interesting, although hardly described in terms of organic matter properties. Further and more detailed applicable research is planned, e.g., monitoring of total organic carbon content and comparing the properties of irrigated and non-irrigated meadow soils. Continuity of research is necessary to assess the direction of the soil organic matter transformation in such a unique ecosystem. The obtained results may allow for the development of, inter alia, models of agricultural practices that increase carbon sequestration in soils. In the long term, this will allow for greater environmental benefits and, thus, also increased financial benefits.

Maximum soil organic matter decomposition along temperature gradient in Colombian topsoils: Dry Forests

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Ojeda ◽  
Hernando García ◽  
Susanne Woche ◽  
Jorg Bachmann ◽  
Georg Guggenberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Temperature Gradient ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Respiration ◽  
Maximum Rate ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Som Decomposition

<p><strong>Contextualization</strong>: In 2011, it was published a curious conundrum, which forms the basis of the present study: why, when organic matter is thermodynamically unstable, does it persist in soils, sometimes for thousands of years? The question challenges the idea that the recalcitrant or labile character of soil organic matter (SOM) is a sufficient argument to ensure SOM persistence. Temperature could play an important role in SOM decomposition, especially in tropics. Particularly, tropical dry forest (TDF) represents an important ecosystem with unique biodiversity and fertile soils in Colombia. At present, the increase in population density and consequently, in the demands of energy and arable land, have led to its degradation.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Knowledge gap</strong>: Although the mentioned question was formulated several years ago, it has still to be answered, hence limiting the development of new soil organic carbon (SOC) models or the quantification of its ecosystem services. A key point, in terms of soil carbon storage, is to determine the maximum rate of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from soils (Rmax). Traditionally, it is considered that Rmax occurs at the 50% of field capacity. Unfortunately, information about the environmental conditions under which this maximum occurs is scarce.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Purpose</strong>: The main objectives of this study were: (a) determine the maximum rate of soil respiration or CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from soil in TDF soils and (b) to estimate the main environmental drivers of maximum SOM decomposition along a temperature gradient (20°, 30°, 40°C) in incubated soils.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Methodology</strong>: Soils pertained to permanent plots were sampled in six different TDF of Colombia. The evolution of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions (monitored by an infrared gas analyser), relative humidity and soil temperature were recorded in time on incubated soils samples. Temperature was maintained constant at 20°C, 30°C and 40°C during soil incubations under soil drying conditions. Additionally, elemental composition (Fe, Ca, O, Al, Si, K, Mg, Na) of SOM and chemical composition of soil organic carbon (SOC: aromatic-C, O-alkyl-C, Aliphatic-C, Phenolic and Ketonic-C) were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Results and conclusions</strong>: The majority of TDF soil samples (90.7%) presented that its peak of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions occurs at soil-water contents higher than saturation (0 MPa), at 20°, 30° and 40°C. Clearly, to consider that the maximum soil respiration rate could be observed at the 50% of field capacity, underestimated the real maximum value of carbon mineralization (48-68%.) Globally, increases in the Rmax values corresponded to increases in electrical conductivity, soil desorption rates, total carbon and nitrogen contents, and decreases in bulk density (BD) and aggregate stability. Taking into account the temperature gradient, increments in calcium and aromatic carbon contents corresponded to decrements in Rmax values but only at 30°C and 40°C, respectively. Some authors indicated that at high soil moisture contents, iron reduction could be release protected carbon. However, no significant relation between Fe and Rmax was observed. Consequently, physical and chemical properties related to SOM accessibility and decomposability by microbial activity, were the main drivers and controls of maximum SOM decomposition rates.</p>

scholarly journals Oxidizable fraction of organic carbon in an Argisol under different land use systems

CERNE ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caio Batista Müller ◽  
Oscarlina Lúcia dos Santos Weber ◽  
José Fernando Scaramuzza
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Labile Carbon ◽  
Land Use Systems ◽  
Oxidizable Fraction

The objective of this study was to evaluate carbon input in labile and stable fractions in an ARGISOL of northwestern Brazil under different land use systems. Use systems being evaluated include: forest - MA (reference), agrosilvopasture - TCP (teak, cocoa and pasture); agroforest - TC (teak and cocoa); teak forest at 8 and 5 years - T8 and T5, and pasture - PA. In each system three furrows were made at depths of 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-20 cm. An area consisting of native vegetation (forest) adjacent to the experiment was sampled and used as control treatment. The use systems MA, T8 and T5 had higher levels of total organic carbon (COT) and the MA system had higher levels of labile carbon (CL) than the other systems, with the exception of TC at a depth of 10-20 cm. In the MA system, COT levels were higher in comparison to use systems TCP, TC and PA while CL levels were higher than the levels observed in use systems TCP and TC. In most cases being analyzed, CL levels were lower than COT levels, therefore this trait can be used as an indicator to assess anthropogenic changes relating to the maintenance or condition of soil organic matter.

scholarly journals The long-term changes in soil organic matter contents and quality in Chernozems  

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 8-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Horáček Jan ◽  
Novák Pavel ◽  
Liebhard Peter ◽  
Strosser Eduard ◽  
Babulicová Mária
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Humic Acid ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Soil Survey ◽  
The Other ◽  
Long Term Changes ◽  
Open Issue

For the purposes of assessment of long-term changes, two sets of Chernozems soil samples were analysed and compared in parallel: ‘old’ file samples obtained during the Soil Survey 1960–1970 in the former Czechoslovakia and a ‘present’ (2013) set of samples from exactly the same sites as the archive samples. The recently collected samples revealed worse qualitative parameters (lower humic acid to fulvic acid (HA/FA) ratios and higher colour quotient Q4/6 values) than the file samples, for all the localities. On the other side, the quantitative soil organic matter (SOM) parameters (oxidizable carbon (C<sub>ox</sub>) and all its determined components) showed contrary results. The amount of total SOM at the same sites is higher now than it was about 50 years ago. It can be concluded that the current decline in SOM quality in Chernozems is partly compensated for by higher accumulation of SOM in the soils. All the analysed Chernozem samples were found to have much worse qualitative SOM parameters than the values mentioned for this soil type in the older literature. However, a comparison of the current data and the file data of Chernozem SOM quality can still be considered an open issue and require more complex research.  

scholarly journals Critical Analysis of the van Bemmelen Conversion Factor used to Convert Soil Organic Matter Data to Soil Organic Carbon Data: Comparative Analyses in a UK Loamy Sand Soil

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Heaton ◽  
Michael A. Fullen ◽  
Ranjan Bhattacharyya
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Conversion Factor ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Loamy Sand ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Loamy Sand Soil ◽  
Dry Combustion

Converting soil organic matter (SOM) data to soil organic carbon (SOC) data usually uses the van Bemmelen factor of 0.58 (or in reverse its reciprocal of 1.724) as a universal conversion factor. The accuracy of this conversion factor has been questioned. Under the Kyoto Protocol (1997) dry combustion is recommended to provide reproducible analyses to measure soil carbon stocks. However, dry combustion equipment is expensive and entails high maintenance. For rapid and inexpensive measurements, loss-on-ignition (LOI) is often used. A total of 278 loamy sand topsoil (0-5 cm depth) samples were taken during three soil sampling sessions (9 January 2007, 22 January 2009 and 10 October 2011) from runoff plots, splash erosion plots and grassed/cultivated plots on the Hilton Experimental Site, Shropshire, UK. A total of 124 soil samples were collected from both runoff and splash plots in both 2007 and 2009 (Bhattacharyya et al., 2011a). Some 22 of the collected samples in 2011 were from grassland (Ah horizon) and eight from cultivated soils (Ap horizon). Homogenized soil samples were split and SOM was determined on oven-dried samples by LOI and total SOC was determined by dry combustion. A conversion factor of 0.845 was used to obtain SOC from total soil C, following Rawlins et al. (2011). Results showed strong associations (R² = 0.70, P 0.001, n = 278) between SOM and SOC data. For all data, SOM to SOC conversion factors varied between 0.36-0.98, with a mean value of 0.66 (SD = 0.105). The mean values of the conversion factor were 0.64, 0.69 and 0.56, respectively, for the samples collected in 2007, 2009 and 2011. Results indicate the van Bemmelen factor (0.58) is a reasonable predictor, but both temporal and spatial variations occur around it within a specific soil type. Thus, caution should be exercised in SOM/SOC data conversions using the van Bemmelen factor.

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