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New science says root exudates drive soil organic matter

Original: "New science of soil organic matter formation" > It is now clear that it is exudates from living plant roots feeding mic

Soil scientists increasingly point to exudates from living plant roots, which feed microbes around the root zone, as the dominant source of soil organic matter and the primary driver of soil biology. This reframes the role of traditional inputs such as compost and manure, suggesting gardeners and farmers should focus on keeping living roots in the ground to build healthy soil.

Why now: The finding challenges long-held assumptions that compost and manure are the main builders of soil organic matter.

soil organic matterplant root exudatessoil microbescompostmanure

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Evidence

• "New science of soil organic matter formation" > It is now clear that it is exudates from living plant roots feeding microbes around the roots that is the dominant source of organic matter in soil and the primary driver of soil biology. Inputs of the like of compost and manure… · carapace · 12

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