Soil Organic Matter (SOM) and Carbon Sequestration: Components, Pools, Climate-Smart Agriculture, and Dynamics of Loss and Buildup

Abstract Soil organic matter (SOM) is a central determinant of soil fertility, structure, water dynamics, and resilience to stress, while also serving as the largest terrestrial carbon pool and a key lever for climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. This narrative review synthesizes current understanding of SOM components—distinguishing labile from stable fractions—and explores the conceptual framework of soil carbon pools. It further examines how climate-smart agricultural practices influence SOM dynamics and carbon sequestration, and reviews the key biophysical, chemical, and management factors affecting SOM loss and buildup. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature indexed in Google Scholar, the review highlights mechanisms governing stabilization and destabilization of soil carbon, discusses measurable indicators of SOM quality and quantity, and identifies research and policy gaps that constrain effective soil carbon management in agroecosystems and natural landscapes. Emphasis is placed on linking SOM dynamics with sustainable land management strategies and climate mitigation goals. Keywords: soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, labile pools, stable carbon, climate-smart agriculture, land management