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Temperature Response of Soil Organic Matter Decomposition Rates: Construction and Applications of a Temperature Gradient Block
Published on: January 30, 2026
508
Differences in SOM decomposition and temperature sensitivity among soil aggregate size classes in a temperate
Qing Wang1, Dan Wang2, Xuefa Wen3
1Resources and Environment College, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Plos One
|February 19, 2015
Summary
Soil organic matter decomposition is temperature-sensitive, with aggregate size influencing this relationship. The carbon quality-temperature hypothesis applies to soil aggregates, impacting ecosystem carbon budgets under warming.
Area of Science:
- Soil Science
- Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition is a key process in global carbon cycling.
- Temperature sensitivity (Q10) of SOM decomposition is hypothesized to be inversely related to carbon quality (CQT hypothesis).
- Soil aggregation influences SOM stability and decomposition rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the CQT hypothesis in different soil aggregate fractions.
- To investigate the effects of temperature and aggregate size on SOM decomposition.
- To understand the implications for ecosystem carbon budgets under changing climate.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory incubation experiments were conducted on bulk soil and soil aggregates (macroaggregates, microaggregates, mineral fractions).
- Decomposition rates, Q10 values, and activation energies (Ea) were measured.
- Carbon quality index was assessed and correlated with Q10 values.
Main Results:
- Temperature and aggregate size significantly affected SOM decomposition, with interactive effects.
- Decomposition rates increased with temperature, with macroaggregates showing the highest rates.
- Negative correlations between Q10 and C quality index supported the CQT hypothesis for soil aggregates.
- Cumulative C emissions varied significantly with aggregate size, highest in macroaggregates.
Conclusions:
- The CQT hypothesis is applicable to soil aggregates, demonstrating that carbon quality influences temperature sensitivity of decomposition.
- Soil aggregation plays a critical role in regulating SOM decomposition and its response to temperature.
- Findings highlight the complexity of ecosystem carbon budgets and potential feedback mechanisms under future warming scenarios.
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