0-20 μm aggregate typology based on the nature of aggregative organic materials in a cultivated silty topsoil

► TEM characterization of organic matter in water-stable aggregates of a cultivated soil. ► Typology of stable 0-20 μm micro-aggregates as a function of aggregative organic materials. ► Involvement of plant fragments and bacteria in 0-20 μm stable micro-aggregates. ► Relevance of 0-20 μm soil fraction study in organic matter dynamics and soil stability. ► 0-20 μm micro-aggregate descriptors as indicators of soil functioning and cultural practices.