Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is the most mobile form of organic matter in soils. It contributes to soil forming processes and feeds microbial metabolism in the subsoil, lakes, rivers and the ocean. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a key component of the global C cycle: it is a potential source of both CO2 and the stabilized carbon present in subsoils and sediments. Furthermore, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), phosphorous (DOP) and sulfur (DOS) are integral parts of nutrient cycles in soils and waters.
A comprehensive understanding of DOM dynamics in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems remains challenging due to complex interactions of biogeochemical and hydrological processes at different scales, i.e. from the molecular to the landscape scale. This session aims to improve our understanding of the role of DOM in organic matter cycling from soil to water. We solicit contributions dealing with amounts, composition, reactivity and fate of DOM and its constituents (i.e. DOC, DON, DOP, DOS) in soils, lakes, rivers and the ocean as well as the impact of land use change and climatic change on these processes. We want to bring together scientists from various backgrounds, but all devoted to the study of dissolved organic matter using a broad spectrum of methodological approaches.