Through a ped, not quite so darkly

The balance between organic inputs and outputs regulates soil organic matter composition and dynamics. In this equation, microbes are viewed as major drivers of outputs. Less appreciated is the impact of microbial growth and turnover on soil organic matter creation. The rapid microbial life cycle can produce large amounts of organic residues over time. Although often intrinsically labile, significant residue amounts can be stabilized within the soil matrix. New tools are advancing our measurement capabilities, but their creative application in the context of larger-scale environmental drivers will be needed to provide insight that overcomes issues of heterogeneity and scale.