ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to describe the distribution of humified organic carbon, mineralogical properties, and distribution and stability of granular structure; and to relate soil aggregation and micromorphological properties to C sequestration in the two Alberta Mollisols. Soil samples were collected from the Raven series, a Typic Cryaquoll developed in a level-to-depressional area near Banalto, and from a Malmo soil, an Aquic Cryoboroll at the Ellerslie Research Station of the University of Alberta. The strong masking effect by colloidal humus on aggregates provided micromorphological evidence that sequestered C promotes soil aggregation. The granular structure in surface horizons of the Raven soil and those in Ah horizons of the Malmo soil are largely influenced by soil biota, especially soil meso- and macro-fauna. Both granular structures are considerably water stable and consequently enhance sequestration and stabilization of C in soils. The micromorphological study and processes oriented research are required to systematically explore the mechanisms of soil aggregation and C sequestration.
