Soil Organic Carbon

Soil organic carbon may be a measureable component of soil organic matter. Organic matter makes up just 2–10% of most soil's mass and has a crucial role within the physical, chemical and biological function of agricultural soils.

Organic matter contributes to nutrient retention and turnover, soil structure, moisture retention and availability, degradation of pollutants, carbon sequestration and soil resilience.

Sequestering carbon in SOC is seen together thanks to mitigate global climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2 . The argument is that tiny increases of SOC over very large areas in agricultural and pastoral lands will significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 . For the reduction to be long-lasting, organic matter would need to be within the more stable or resistant fractions (Table 1). For more information see Soil organic carbon and carbon sequestration.