Organo–organic and organo–mineral interfaces in soil at the nanometer scale

Angela R. Possinger, Michael J. Zachman, Akio Enders, Barnaby D. A. Levin, David A. Muller, Lena F. Kourkoutis and Johannes Lehmann ()
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Angela R. Possinger: Cornell University
Michael J. Zachman: Cornell University
Akio Enders: Cornell University
Barnaby D. A. Levin: Cornell University
David A. Muller: Cornell University
Lena F. Kourkoutis: Cornell University
Johannes Lehmann: Cornell University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract The capacity of soil as a carbon (C) sink is mediated by interactions between organic matter and mineral phases. However, previously proposed layered accumulation of organic matter within aggregate organo–mineral microstructures has not yet been confirmed by direct visualization at the necessary nanometer-scale spatial resolution. Here, we identify disordered micrometer-size organic phases rather than previously reported ordered gradients in C functional groups. Using cryo-electron microscopy with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), we show organo–organic interfaces in contrast to exclusively organo–mineral interfaces. Single-digit nanometer-size layers of C forms were detected at the organo–organic interface, showing alkyl C and nitrogen (N) enrichment (by 4 and 7%, respectively). At the organo–mineral interface, 88% (72–92%) and 33% (16–53%) enrichment of N and oxidized C, respectively, indicate different stabilization processes than at organo–organic interfaces. However, N enrichment at both interface types points towards the importance of N-rich residues for greater C sequestration.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19792-9

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