Glomalin helps keep carbon in soil

A microbiologist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says that a component of soil called glomalin is important for holding carbon in soil. The substance comes from fungi and helps keep water from washing away carbon. It keeps carbon from breaking down and increases the sustainability of the soil. Since glomalin levels are related to the amount of carbon being held in soil, it is possible to take measurements of glomalin to find out “which farming or rangeland practices work best for storing carbon,” according to the article highlighting the work of researcher Kristine Nichols. Full story: USDA