How do fungi process organic matter and carbon into the soil?
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Fungi play a crucial role in processing organic matter and carbon into the soil through various mechanisms. They possess the ability to decompose complex organic compounds present in soil organic matter (SOM) . Fungi secrete enzymes and metabolites that aid in breaking down organic materials like lignocellulose. This decomposition process involves the modification of SOM structure and properties, leading to increased adsorption to mineral particles. Additionally, fungal activities influence the molecular composition of SOM, impacting the turnover of soil carbon components. The fungal community composition is crucial for regulating the turnover and distribution of nutrients, as well as the rate of SOM decomposition, ultimately affecting soil carbon sequestration. Overall, fungi contribute significantly to the cycling of nutrients and carbon in forest ecosystems by processing organic matter into the soil.
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| Papers (5) | Insight |
|---|---|
| Fungi affect soil organic carbon by influencing enzyme activities like catalase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase, playing a crucial role in the decomposition and turnover of organic matter. | |
19 Citations | Fungi decompose soil organic matter by secreting enzymes bound to extracellular polymeric substance matrices, regulating decomposition reactions efficiently while protecting enzymes and fungal cells from damage. |
10 Citations | Fungi process plant inputs, especially roots, into soil organic matter, influencing soil carbon stocks. Ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi play key roles in this conversion process. |
| Ectomycorrhizal fungi decompose soil organic matter by lignocellulose mechanisms, enhancing organic nitrogen uptake. This process alters soil carbon by increasing its adsorptive properties to mineral particles. | |
2 Citations | Fungi like Mortierella capitata K process soil organic matter by altering its molecular composition, influencing carbon components through synthesis and degradation, as shown in the study. |
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