The largest carbon sink or store on land c Soil organic matter .Therefore , c Soil organic matter is correct .
Soil organic matter comprises a diverse array of organic compounds derived from the decomposition of plant and animal material.
This carbon is stored in the soil in various forms, including dead plant and animal residues, microbial biomass, and other organic substances.
Soil organic matter plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. It serves as a reservoir for carbon, helping to regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations.
Through processes like decomposition, mineralization, and microbial activity, carbon is cycled between the soil and the atmosphere.
Healthy soils with high organic matter content can sequester significant amounts of carbon, acting as a long-term storage solution.
Terrestrial plants also contribute to carbon storage, especially in their biomass and root systems.
However, the carbon stored in soil organic matter tends to be more stable and persistent over time.
Additionally, changes in land use, such as deforestation or land degradation, can release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting healthy soils for carbon sequestration.
Question
We know that the oceans contain large amounts of carbon dissolved in seawater and in ocean sediments. Among the options below, which is the largest carbon sink or store on land?
a Atmospheric CO2
b Terrestrial plants
c soil organic matter
d Fossil fuel deposits