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. 2023 Feb 6;43(1):21. doi: 10.1007/s13593-023-00876-x

Fig. 7.

Fig. 7

The persistence of OM (whatever its nature: plant-derived, decomposer-derived, pyrogenic or dissolved) results from the conjunction of different mechanisms controlling OM utilization by decomposer. These mechanisms are linked to stoichiometric, energetic, or spatial constraints. The chemical properties of OM drive stoichiometric and energetic limitations. Enzyme production and mineral dissolution drive energetic limitation. Organo-mineral associations, soil properties, and bioturbation by soil fauna drive spatial limitation. Dotted arrows indicate links between constraints.