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Abstract

Decomposition breaks down dead organic matter, releasing carbon to the atmosphere and nutrients in forms that can be used for plant and microbial production. This chapter describes the key controls over decomposition and soil organic matter accumulation by ecosystems.

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Additional Reading

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© 2002 Springer-Verlag New York, Inc.

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(2002). Terrestrial Decomposition. In: Principles of Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-21663-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-21663-4_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-95439-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-21663-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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