Soil Organic Matter & its Interactions with Metals: Processes, Factors, Ecological Signficiance

Soil organic matter is the most important component of the ecosystem. As a product of transforming the organic residues under specific conditions it enables us to reflect on the impact rendered by these conditions. In order to be able to perform unique functions in the ecosystem, the organic matter becomes very active in interactions with mineral components. Being widespread in the environment, these compounds play an important role in soil genesis, plant nutrition, migration and accumulation of chemical substances. At present, when the load of heavy metals is augmenting on soil, the consequences of the formation of these compounds in soil requires special attention. New experimental data is needed to provide information about scantily studied soils and complex processes affected by different factors. This book examines current research in the study of soil organic matter.