Co-accumulation of microbial residues and particulate organic matter in the surface layer of a no-till Oxisol under different crops

► Winter crops affect the soil surface organic C pools (particulate and total). ► The highest total and particulate organic C in soil were found under pigeon pea. ► This effect of pigeon pea was attributed to its relatively high N and lignin contents. ► Microbial residues were closely linked to particulate and total soil organic C. ► Our results corroborate recent models on microbial residue contribution to soil C.