Samus D.A. METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE DECOMPOSITION RATE OF ORGANIC MATTER IN SOIL (A REVIEW)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/nsr.jvolsu.2026.2.3
UDC: 631.4
Dariya A. Samus, Student, Department of Ecology and Nature Management, Volgograd State University, Prosp. Universitetsky, 100, 400062 Volgograd, Russian Federation, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abstract. This article analyses methods for determining the rate of organic matter (OM) decomposition in soils. The review found that the rate of decomposition varies depending on both environmental factors (temperature and humidity) and soil composition and properties (acidity, nitrogen and potassium content). We have divided the methods for determining the rate of OM decomposition into laboratory, chemical-analytical and field methods. The incubation experiment method (CO respiration) falls under the laboratory category. The most popular chemical-analytical method is the determination of enzyme activity (cellulase, peroxidase, -glucosidase, phenoloxidase). Among the field methods, historical approaches (linen cloths) and the classic “Litter bags” method are described. It is shown that the most promising and standardised generally accepted method is the Tea Bag Index, based on burying green tea and rooibos in the soil for 90 days to calculate the rates of organic matter decomposition. The study demonstrates that the use of a suitable method for determining decomposition rates is a fundamental prerequisite for the reliability of carbon balance estimates and for understanding the global patterns of CO emissions from soils.
Key words: soil, organic matter, decomposition rate, Tea Bag Index, review.
Citation. Samus D.A. Methods for Determining the Decomposition Rate of Organic Matter in Soil (A Review). Prirodnye sistemy i resursy [Natural Systems and Resources], 2026, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 23-29. DOI:https://doi.org/10.15688/nsr.jvolsu.2026.2.3
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