Soil organic matter (SOM) is the largest terrestrial carbon (C) pool and is a critical component in affecting soil quality and global C cycling. Although SOM is one of the most stable C pools in ecosystems, human activities may greatly impact SOM decomposition and related C pools, composition, structure, and stability. In recent years, the changing climate, such as warming, elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration, nitrogen deposition, and changes in precipitation, have also altered SOM and C biogeochemical processes, and these influences can modify anthropogenic impacts SOM. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of systematic understanding of the response and resilience of SOM to the combinations of climate change drivers and human activities. This calls for further understanding of the effects of human activities on SOM and related C biogeochemical processes in the context of climate change.

The objective of the present Research Topic will concentrate on soil C dynamics and cycling, stability in response to climate change and human activities, and the mechanisms controlling these processes. Information on these topics will help better understand how human activities affect soil quality and advance our capacity to more accurately predict soil C feedbacks to the atmosphere under environmental change.

We welcome manuscripts focus on the following scientific topics:

(1) Soil C pools and sequestration in response to climate change and human activities.
(2) SOM structure and stability in response to climate change and human activities.
(3) Influences of land use changes, climate warming, elevated CO₂, nitrogen deposition, and changes in precipitation on soil C cycling and its adaption.
(4) Biotic and abiotic mechanisms of SOM dynamics in the context of changing climate and human activities.

Manuscripts submitted to this research topic can have one of several formats: original research articles, perspectives, reviews, and systematic reviews (including meta-analyses). The research described in these manuscripts can be experimental (in laboratory or field settings), or be based on computer modeling. Of special interest are manuscripts that attempt to elucidate the complex physico-chemical and microbiological processes that control the dynamics of carbon in soils, as well as the responses to different environmental factors and land management practices.

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