Kinetics of amino sugar formation from organic residues of different quality

► We applied 13C-labeled plant residues, and measured δ13C of amino sugars (AS) and respired CO2. ► Residue derived AS increased exponentially and reached a maximum within days. ► Formation kinetics was dependant of AS type, residue quality and soil tillage history. ► The bacterial community seemed to play a more prominent role for early stage incorporation of residue-derived carbon. ► The fungal community appeared to be better adapted to incorporate more carbon from more recalcitrant sources.