Our understanding of soil organic matter (SOM) formation has changed dramatically over the last few years, resulting in a paradigm shift in how farmers can apply the mechanisms of organic matter formation for greater soil health and carbon storage. Sarah will summarize cutting edge science to discuss the physical, biological and chemical role of soil organic matter; where soil organic matter comes from and how our understanding of organic matter has changed (think dead microbes!); and the physical and biological mechanisms for organic matter storage in agricultural soils.
