This research investigates the net impact of microbial metabolism on soil organic carbon (SOC) quantity by constructing artificial root-soil systems. The study finds that root exudates and minerals interact to regulate SOC cycling: root exudates triggered stable C formation in high-activity clays, while depleting mineral-associated C in low-activity clays. A positive correlation between mineral-associated C formation and respiration suggests that stable C pool growth comes at the expense of C loss.

Guopeng Liang, John Stark, Bonnie Grace Waring