Physical, chemical, and biochemical mechanisms of soil organic matter stabilization under conservation tillage systems: A central role for microbes and microbial by-products in C sequestration

► 25 years of no-tillage result in 16% more soil organic C than chisel tillage. ► Organic C storage under no-tillage occurs mainly in the mineral-associated pool. ► Microbial biomass appears to be a significant source of soil organic matter. ► No-tillage boosts the stabilization of microbial-derived organic matter on minerals.