Soil organic matter composition in three humus profiles of the western Taurus, Turkey, as revealed by wet chemistry and CP/MAS C-13 NMR spectroscopy

Abstract

In this study three soil profiles located in the Western Taurus (Turkey) at different altitudes (10, 1900, and 3080 m a.s.l.) were compared with respect to their soil organic matter characteristics. The soil sample were fractionated by density to plant residues, slightly altered plant material,organo-mineral complexes, and organic-free minerals. Bulk samples and fractions were analyzed for C and N, the bulk samples additionally for total sugars, lignin signature, and bulk soil organic matter composition by CP/MAS C-13 NMR spectroscopy.